Cash dispensing automated banking machine with deposit holding container

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine ( 10 ) is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia ( 50 ) in operative connection with a frame ( 110 ). The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser ( 24 ), receipt printer ( 20 ), and a card reader ( 22 ). The fascia may include replaceable bezels ( 550,552 ) with apertures therein for providing access to hardware devices. The bezels may be operative to float with respect to the fascia and hardware devices to automatically align hardware devices with the bezels. In addition the hardware devices may include movable portions which are operative to automatically align with the bezels. The bezels may include ramps, ribs, or other angled surfaces which guide the hardware devices into alignment with the openings in the bezels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/453,667 filed Mar. 10, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to automated banking machines.Specifically this invention relates to an automated banking machinesystem and method which is operative to securely carry out a pluralityof transactions including the dispense of cash and other transfers ofvalue responsive to user inputs.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Automated banking machines are well known. A common type ofautomated banking machine used by consumers is an automated tellermachine (“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry out bankingtransactions. Common banking transactions that may be carried out withATMs include the dispensing of cash, the making of deposits, thetransfer of funds between accounts, the payment of bills and accountbalance inquiries. The types of banking transactions a customer cancarry out are determined by capabilities of the particular bankingmachine and the programming of the institution operating the machine.Other types of automated banking machines may allow customers to chargeagainst accounts or to transfer funds. Other types of automated bankingmachines may print or dispense items of value such as coupons, tickets,wagering slips, vouchers, checks, food stamps, money orders, scrip ortraveler's checks. For purposes of this disclosure an ATM, an automatedbanking machine, or an automated transaction machine shall encompass anydevice which carries out transactions including transfers of value.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine at which a user may conducttransactions.

[0005] It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine at which a user may dispense cash.

[0006] Further objects of exemplary forms of the present invention willbe made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Inventionand the appended claims.

[0007] The foregoing objects may be accomplished in an exemplaryembodiment by an automated banking machine that includes output devicessuch as a display screen and receipt printer. The machine may furtherinclude input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard, keypad, functionkeys, and a card reader. The automated banking machine may furtherinclude transaction function devices such as a cash dispenser mechanismfor sheets of currency, a depository mechanism and other transactionfunction devices which are used by the machine in carrying out bankingtransactions including transfers of value. In the exemplary embodimentthe automated banking machine may include at least one computer. Thecomputer may be in operative connection with the output devices and theinput devices, as well as with the cash dispenser mechanism, depositorymechanism and other physical transaction function devices in the bankingmachine. The computer may further be operative to communicate with ahost system located remotely from the machine.

[0008] In the exemplary embodiment, the computer may include softwarecomponents that are executable therein. The software components of theautomated banking machine may be operative to cause the computer tooutput user interface screens through a display device of the machine.The user interface screens may include consumer screens which provide aconsumer with information for performing consumer operations such asbanking functions with the machine. The user interface screens mayfurther include service screens which provide an authorized userservicing the machine with information for performing service andmaintenance operations with the machine. In addition the machine mayinclude software components operative in the computer for controllingand communicating with hardware devices of the machine including theinput devices, output devices and the transaction function devices.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine mayinclude a fascia with bezels and associated hardware components whichare operative to automatically align with each other. In furtherexemplary embodiments, the automated banking machine may include anexterior surface comprised of panels which are securely mounted to theframe of the machine without the use of fasteners such as screws andbolts. In further exemplary embodiments, sheet metal parts of themachine may be assembled without the use of a jig and external fastenersby inserting tabs from one part into slots of another part and bendingthe tabs at about ninety degrees to urge the parts together into fixedengagement.

[0010] In further exemplary embodiments, the automated banking machinemay include a passageway sensor which is operative to detect blockagesin passageways and is operative to resist missing the detection ofblockages as a result of foreign light sources. In addition, exemplaryembodiments of the automated banking machine may include a cassette forreceiving deposited items which is operative to enable the detection ofunauthorized access to the items in the cassette. Exemplary embodimentsof the cassette and associated bracketry may also be operative to closethe cassette upon removal from the machine and may be operative toprevent a corresponding depository mechanism from being moved to aservice position while the cassette is installed in the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view representative of an exemplaryembodiment of an automated banking machine.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of anautomated banking machine.

[0013]FIGS. 3-17 show exemplary embodiments of a frame of an automatedbanking machine.

[0014]FIGS. 18-24 show exemplary embodiments of a swing arm assembly ofan automated banking machine.

[0015]FIGS. 25-27 show exemplary embodiments of leveling legs for anautomated banking machine.

[0016]FIGS. 28-30 show exemplary embodiments of an adjustable bezel fora fascia of an automated banking machine.

[0017]FIGS. 31-34 show exemplary embodiments of a floating bezel for afascia of an automated banking machine.

[0018]FIGS. 35-43 show exemplary embodiments of a tilting fascia of anautomated banking machine.

[0019]FIGS. 44-49 show exemplary embodiments of replaceable bezels for afascia of an automated banking machine.

[0020]FIGS. 50-53 show an exemplary embodiment of a task lighting devicefor a fascia of an automated banking machine.

[0021]FIGS. 54 and 55 show exemplary embodiments of a movable gate for abezel of an automated banking machine.

[0022]FIGS. 56-62 show exemplary embodiments of a receipt printer of anautomated banking machine.

[0023]FIGS. 63-74 show exemplary embodiments of a method of providinguniform patterns for performing transactions for a plurality ofdifferent types of automated banking machines.

[0024]FIGS. 75-78 show an exemplary embodiment of a system for mountingcomponents in an automated banking machine.

[0025]FIGS. 79 and 80 show exemplary embodiments of features formounting cables in an automated banking machine.

[0026]FIGS. 81 and 82 show an exemplary embodiment of a trim cap linkagesystem for an automated banking machine.

[0027]FIGS. 83-101 show exemplary embodiments of devices for mountingcomponents in an automated banking machine.

[0028]FIGS. 102-107 show an exemplary embodiment of an enclosure of anautomated banking machine.

[0029]FIGS. 108-110 show an exemplary embodiment of a passageway sensorin an automated banking machine.

[0030]FIGS. 111-119 show an exemplary embodiment of a cassette forreceiving deposited items in an automated banking machine.

[0031]FIGS. 120 and 121 show an exemplary embodiment of sheet metalparts of the machine being mounted together using tabs and slots of theparts.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0032] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, thereis shown therein a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anautomated banking machine 10. Here the automated banking machine 10 mayinclude at least one output device 34 such as a display device 12. Theoutput device 12 may be operative to provide a consumer with a userinterface 18 that may include a plurality of screens or other outputsincluding selectable options for operating the machine. The exemplaryembodiment may further include other types of output devices such as areceipt printer 20, statement printer 21, speakers, or any other type ofdevice that is capable of outputting visual, audible, or other sensoryperceptible information.

[0033] The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 mayinclude a plurality of input devices 32 such as an encrypting pin pad(EPP) with keypad 16 and function keys 14 as well as a card reader 22and/or bar code reader 23. The exemplary embodiment of the machine 10may further include or use other types of input devices, such as a touchscreen, microphone, or any other device that is operative to provide themachine with inputs representative of user instructions or information.The machine may also include one or more biometric input devices such asa fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner, facial recognition device, handscanner, or any other biometric reading device which may be used toacquire a biometric input that can be used to identify a user.

[0034] The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 mayfurther include a plurality of transaction function devices which mayinclude for example a cash dispenser 24, a depository mechanism 26, acash recycler mechanism, or any other type of device which is operativeto perform transaction functions involving transfers of value.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of components which may be includedor may be in communication with the automated banking machine 10.Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine 10 may beoperative to communicate with a transaction processing server which isreferred to herein as an ATM host banking system 42. Such an ATM hostbanking system 42 may be operative to authorize the automated bankingmachine 10 to perform transaction functions for users such aswithdrawing cash from an account through operation of the cash dispenser24, depositing checks or other items with the depository mechanism 26,performing a balance inquiry for a financial account and transferringvalue between accounts.

[0036] In addition, the machine 10 may include at least one computer 30.The computer 30 may be in operative connection with a plurality ofcomponents 44. Such components may include both hardware devices 46 andsoftware components 40. The hardware devices 46 may correspond to thepreviously described input device(s) 32, output device(s) 34, andtransaction function device(s) 36. In an exemplary embodiment, atransaction function device may be operative to perform a transactionfunction in response to at least one input through at least one of theinput devices.

[0037] In exemplary embodiments the machine may include a secure chestor safe 52. Portable articles such as cash, notes, bills, checks,deposits or other items of value may be stored in the chest. In additionin exemplary embodiments portions of the computer 30 may be stored inthe safe such as the mother board, processor, RAM, cd-rom drive, floppydisk drive, hard drive and other components of the computer 30. Infurther exemplary embodiments, the computer 30 may be stored outside thechest 52.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the software components maycorrespond to one or more terminal control software components that areoperative in the computer 30. The terminal control software componentsmay be operative to control the operation of the machine by both aconsumer and an authorized user such as a service technician. Forexample such terminal control software components may includeapplications which enable a consumer to dispense cash, deposit a check,or perform other transaction functions with the machine. In addition theterminal control software components may include applications whichenable a service technician to perform configuration, maintenance, anddiagnostic functions with the machine.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments of the machine, the previously describedcomputer 30 and hardware components 46 may mounted within an enclosure.Such an enclosure may include a frame. The computer and components ofthe machine may be securely mounted to the frame. As shown in FIG. 1,the machine may include a fascia 50 which provides access to one or moreof the hardware components by a user of the machine and also concealsthe internal components of the machine and the frame from the view of aconsumer

[0040]FIGS. 3-6 show an exemplary embodiment of a frame 110 for anautomated banking machine enclosure. The frame 110 may be comprised offour vertical struts 100 rigidly attached to a safe or chest 102.Horizontal struts 104 may be attached to each pair of vertical struts. Adiagonal strut 106 may be attached to both horizontal struts to addstiffness. This described exemplary embodiment of the frame is operativeto allow access to five sides of the enclosure to make the assembly andservicing of the machine more convenient to a technician. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 once the automated banking machine is assembled andtested, beauty panels 120-128 may be placed in operative connection withthe frame to enclose the top portion of the machine and also to coverthe sides of the ATM safe 102. In the described exemplary embodiment,the beauty panels may be hung onto the frame without the use of separateconnectors or fasteners such as screws or bolts to hold these panels inplace to the frame. The panels may be operative to butt together and,along with a rear access door 129, hold each other in place. The panelsmay include tabs, slots, or other interlocking features to enable thepanels to be securely mounted to the frame without tools. As shown inFIG. 6, the outer panels 120-128 may be removed from the frame 110without tools to provide access to service the upper enclosure.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical struts 100 may bemounted to the chest 102 using bolts, screws or other fasteners. In anexemplary embodiment the screws may be partially screwed into the safeprior to mounting the vertical struts. The vertical struts may then beplaced adjacent the chest such that heads of the screws pass throughapertures in the strut. The strut may then be moved downwardly to engagethe screws within slots extending upward in the strut from theapertures. Once installed in this manner, the screws may be tightened torigidly mount the vertical struts to the chest.

[0042]FIGS. 7 and 8 show the engagement of a horizontal strut 104 to avertical strut 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal strut 104 mayinclude two fingers 144 which interlock and self-locate the horizontalstrut with the vertical slots 146 extending downwardly from the upperportions of the vertical struts 100. The horizontal strut 104 mayfurther include a leg 140 which passes behind the vertical strut 100. Asshown in FIG. 8, once the horizontal strut is engaged with the verticalstrut, a screw 148 may be placed through apertures in the vertical strutand leg of the horizontal strut to lock the struts together. As shown inFIG. 9, the ends of the diagonal strut 106 may be mounted using screwsor other fasteners to the oppose ends of the two horizontal struts 104.

[0043]FIGS. 10-12 show an exemplary system and method for mounting thepanels to the frame of the machine. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, thelower side panels 124, 128 may slide downward onto vertically extendingtabs 150 of two vertical struts 100. The fingers may pass intohorizontal apertures 152 in the top edges 154 of the side panels 124,128. As shown in FIG. 12, the vertical struts 100 may further includetabs 156 which hook underneath a horizontal bracket 158 located on theinside surface of the side panels 124, 128. The horizontal bracket mayinclude horizontal slots 160 which are positioned to receive the tabs156.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 13, once the lower panels 124, 128 have beenmounted on the vertical struts, the upper panels 122, 126 may by mountedon the vertical struts. In this described exemplary embodiment, theupper panels are operative to prevent the lower panels from beingremoved from the frame by blocking the lower panels from moving upwardlyto disengage from the vertical struts.

[0045] As sown in FIG. 14, the upper panels 122, 126 may includeapertures 162 in a lower edge 164 of the panels 122, 126. When the upperpanels are slid downward along the frame, the apertures 162 areoperative to receive the vertically extending tabs 150 of the verticalstruts 100 therethrough. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the verticalstruts may further include vertically extending tabs 166 which areoperative to hook inside a groove 170 located inside the upper edge 168of the upper panels 122, 126.

[0046]FIG. 16 shows the top panel 120 being mounted to the frame 110. Inthis described exemplary embodiment, the top panel when mounted to theframe is operative to prevent the side panels from being dismounted fromthe frame by blocking the side panels from moving upwardly to disengagefrom the vertical struts. The top panel may include tabs 172 which areoperative to hook into slots 174 in the horizontal struts 104 of theframe 110. FIG. 17 shows a tab 172 fully engaged with a slot 174 of thehorizontal strut 104. With the top panel in this engaged position, theside of top panel 120 includes a portion 176 which is located directlyabove portions 178 of the side panel 122 and is operative to prevent theside panel from moving upwardly and dismounting from the frame. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment, the portions 178 of the side panel 122may correspond to a flange or projection which extends underneath thetop panel 120. In an alternative exemplary embodiments the top panel maybe relatively higher than the side panel 122 and may have sufficientwidth as to extend above the upper edge 168 of the side panel 122 toblock the side panels from moving upwardly.

[0047] Referring back to FIG. 5, when the door 129 is in the closedposition, the top edge 180 of the door is operative to block the toppanel 120 from sliding so as to unhook the tabs 172 (FIG. 17) in the toppanel from the horizontal struts 104 of the frame. In this describedexemplary embodiment, the door 129 may be locked in a closed positionthereby preventing each of the top panel, upper side panels and bottomside panels from being removed. When the door 129 is opened the toppanel 120 is enabled to be removed from the frame 110. When the toppanel is removed the upper side panels are enabled to be removed fromthe frame 110. When the upper side panels are removed the bottom sidepanels are enabled to be removed from the frame.

[0048] In this described exemplary embodiment, the panels may be mountedto the frame without the use of separate fasteners such as screws andwithout the use of tools. The service door 129 is operative to preventthe panels from being removed when the door is in the closed positionand is operative to enable the panels to be removed when the door is inthe open position. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the automatedbanking machine may include other systems and methods for securing thepanels to the frame including the use of fasteners or other connectiondevices.

[0049] Referring back to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of theautomated banking machine may include a service door 129 which includesa window 200. The window may be used to view a display device such as aservice monitor located within the enclosure. FIG. 18 shows an exampleof an automated banking machine 10 with the service door 129 in the openposition. Within the machine may be mounted a service monitor swing armassembly 202 which is operative to support a service monitor 204 in aplurality of different positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, theswing arm assembly 202 is operative to orient the service monitor 204 ina position adjacent the opening 206 of the machine. When the door 129 isclosed, the window 200 of the service door 129 will be positioned infront of the monitor to enable all or at least portions of the displayscreen of the service monitor to be visible through the window 200.

[0050]FIG. 19 shows a side view of the service monitor mounted to theswing arm assembly 202. In this described exemplary embodiment, theswing assembly may be operative to pivot independently at a plurality ofpoints. In the exemplary embodiment, the assembly 202 may include aframe bracket 210 that is operative to mount to a vertical strut of theautomated banking machine frame. The frame bracket may be in pivotingconnection with a swing arm 212. For example, the swing arm may beoperative to rotate with respect to a pin 214 in operative connectionthrough portions of the frame bracket 210 and swing arm 212. As shown inFIG. 20, the swing arm may be operative to rotate 90 degrees withrespect to the frame bracket to place the service monitor 204 outsidethe opening 206 to the interior of the machine.

[0051] Referring back to FIG. 19, the assembly 202 may further include amonitor bracket 216 that is operative to attach the service monitor 204to the assembly 202. In this described exemplary embodiment the monitorbracket 216 may be in pivoting connection with the swing arm 212. Forexample, the monitor bracket 216 may be operative to rotate with respectto a pin 218 in operative connection through portions of the monitorbracket 216 and swing arm 212. For example, with the swing arm rotatedto extend outward as described previously (FIG. 20), the monitor bracketmay be operative to rotate the monitor about 90 degrees (FIG. 21) withrespect to the swing arm 212. In addition, in exemplary embodiments, themonitor bracket may be operative to rotate the monitor 204 about 180degrees (FIG. 22) with respect to the swing arm 212.

[0052] In addition to being operative to rotate the service monitorabout a plurality of vertical axes, an exemplary embodiment of theassembly may be operative to adjust the vertical tilt of the servicemonitor. For example as shown in FIG. 23, the monitor bracket 216 may beoperative to pivot along a horizontal axis to tilt the service monitor204 downwardly. FIG. 23 shows an example of the assembly beingorientated to tilt the service monitor downwardly by about thirteendegrees. However, it is to be understood that in alternative exemplaryembodiments the service monitor swing arm assembly may be operative totilt the monitor at other smaller and/or larger angles. Furtherexemplary embodiments of the assembly may be operative to rotate themonitor along one or more vertical axes to a plurality of differentangles inwardly and outwardly with respect to the frame of the machine.

[0053] Referring back to FIG. 19, the assembly may include one or morespring plungers or other locking devices which are operative to lock therotational positions of the assembly. For example a spring plunger 220may be biased to move into a locked position which locks the swing arm212 in its current rotational position relative the frame bracket 210.Pulling the spring plunger 220 may be operative to place the springplunger 220 into an unlocked position which enables the swing arm 212 torotate freely with respect to the frame bracket 210. The assembly mayfurther include additional spring plungers 222 or other locking devicesat other pivoting points as well.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 24, an exemplary embodiment of the servicemonitor swing arm assembly may further include a support bracket 224 fora service keyboard 226 in pivoting connection with the monitor bracket216. Such a support bracket 224 may be operative to rotate about ahorizontal axis to tilt the keyboard 226 at a plurality of differentangles. Such angles for example may include orienting the keyboard 226at a vertical angle 230; a 30 degree angle 232 from vertical; and a 107degree angle 234 from vertical.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude a plurality of legs under the chest which are operative tosupport the machine above a floor or other surface. In an exemplaryembodiment such legs may be adjustable in height to account for surfaceswhich are not level or are uneven. In addition in exemplary embodimentsthe legs may be adjustable in height from within the chest. FIG. 25shows an exemplary embodiment of a leveling leg 250 in operativeconnection with the chest 102 of the machine. As shown in FIGS. 26 and27 the leveling leg may include a threaded shaft 252 that is operativeto screw up or down within a threaded hole 254 through the bottom 256 ofthe chest. The leg may include a base or foot end 257 that is operativeto engage and rest on a floor or other support surface. The foot 257 cancomprise a flange extending in a radial direction perpendicular to theaxis of the shaft 252. The flange can have a diameter greater than thediameter of the threaded portion of the shaft. The flange can have acircular, square, slotted, or other known shape or configuration. Thefoot end 257 can be of a size to ensure a sufficient contact area withthe supporting surface. The support strength and the diameter of thethreaded shaft and the flange can be predetermined based on the weightof the machine.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 27, the leg 250 may include a tool receiving end258 which has a size that is adapted to be turned by a wrench. In theexemplary embodiment the tool receiving end may include a squareprojection which is relatively narrower than the diameter of thethreaded shaft 252. When the automated banking machine is beingassembled, the tool receiving end of the leveling leg may be insertedinto the hole 254 from underneath the chest. The leveling leg may thanbe rotated to screw the leveling leg further upward into the chest.

[0057] To make an automated banking machine level on an uneven surface,one or more of the leveling legs may be rotated to increase or decreasethe length of the leveling legs that extend below the chest. In anexemplary embodiment, the leveling process may include opening the chestdoor and turning one or more of the square tool receiving ends of theleveling legs with a wrench. For automated banking machines whichinclude hardware devices in the chest such as currency cassettes, thehardware device may be either removed from the chest or the hardwaredevice may be moved outward from the chest into a service position toprovide access to the leveling legs.

[0058] As discussed previously, an automated banking machine may includea fascia in operative connection with the frame of the machine. Such afascia may include a plurality of openings through which components ofthe machine are accessible. For example as shown in FIG. 1, theautomated banking machine may include a component such as the cashdispenser 24. The cash dispenser may be mounted within the frame/chestof the machine. To enable a user to access the cash dispensed from thecash dispenser, the fascia may include an opening 54 therethrough.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments of the machine, to accommodatedifferently sized and shaped components, the fascia may include aplurality of openings therethrough which have different sizes andshapes. In addition, in exemplary embodiments, the size of the openingsmay be made sufficiently large to accommodate access to a plurality ofdifferently sized and shaped components. Any gaps or spaces which remainbetween the edges of the openings in the fascia and the outer enclosureof the component may be filled with at least one obstructing block. Theblocks may be securely mounted to the fascia, a removable fascia bezeland/or the component to prevent access to the interior of the machine.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments the blocks may be formed with a size andshape which corresponds to the size and shape of the gap in the openingsof the fascia. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, gaps maybe minimized with openings in the fascia which are adjustable in size.FIGS. 28-30 show an example of a portion of a removable fascia bezel 400which includes an adjustable opening 402. In this example, the opening402 has a size and shape for receiving a passbook 404 therethrough forengagement with a passbook printer 406 of the automated banking machine.In exemplary embodiments automated banking machines may have differenttypes of passbook printers for use with different types of passbookmedia. Such media may have different widths which require the opening402 in the fascia bezel to be narrowed or widened.

[0061] In this described exemplary embodiment the fascia bezel mayinclude an obstructing block 408 which can be selectively positioned toaccommodate openings with different size requirements. As shown in FIG.29, the obstructing block 408 may be in slidable connection with theback or inside portions 410 of the fascia bezel 400. As shown in FIG.30, in this described exemplary embodiment, the obstructing block 408may include a slot 414. Screws 412 or other fasteners may be placedthrough the slot and mounted to the inside portion 410 of the fasciabezel. The obstructing block 408 may be slid along the screws to aposition which reduces or widens the portion of the opening 402 which isaccessible to pass an item therethrough. The screws may then betightened to rigidly lock the obstructing block in place to the fasciabezel. When a differently sized passbook printer or other component isinstalled adjacent the fascia bezel, the screws 412 may be loosened andthe obstructing block may be repositioned to change the size of theportion of the opening to accommodate the different width of the newpassbook printer. The screws may then be re-tightened to lock theobstructing block in place.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the fascia bezel may include a funnel418 with upper and lower walls 420, 422 that taper toward each other toreduce the outer opening 402 (FIG. 28) to a relatively narrower innerslit 424 (FIG. 29). The obstructing block 408 may include a flange 416with a size and shape which corresponds to the inner cross-sectionalshape of the funnel 418. When the obstruction block is mounted to thefascia bezel, the flange 416 of the obstruction block is slid into thefunnel 418 through a side opening 426. The flange corresponds to amovable side wall within the funnel which is operative to cover gaps orholes which would otherwise be present when the width of the hardwaredevice is less than the width of the slit 424 of the funnel.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine, thefascia may be in hinged connection with the frame of the machine. Inother exemplary embodiments the fascia may be is slidable connectionwith the frame. When a service technician wishes to access the hardwaredevices of the machine behind the fascia, the fascia may be unlocked andopened by rotating the fascia about one or more hinges and/or slidingthe fascia away from the fascia. In other exemplary embodiments theservice technician may be operative to access the back of the machineand move individual hardware devices away from the fascia into a serviceposition.

[0064] In either example, when the fascia and hardware devices arebrought together, the openings in the fascia must align with thehardware devices installed to the frame of the machine. An exemplaryembodiment of the automated banking machine includes systems and methodsfor automatically aligning hardware components with the openings in afascia.

[0065]FIG. 31 show an example of a fascia 450 of an automated bankingmachine which includes a floating bezel 452. In FIG. 31 the top of thefascia is shown cut away to show the interior features of the floatingbezel. Here the bezel includes an opening 454 which is to be alignedwith an opening of a hardware device of the machine. The fascia 450includes an opening 456 which is to be filled by the bezel 452. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment, the bezel 452 is in sliding connectionwith the fascia and is operative to slide vertically and horizontallywith respect to the fascia. In addition, the bezel 452 includes a sizewhich is wider in both vertical and horizontal length with respect tothe opening 456 in the fascia, such that when the bezel is slid eitherup, down, left, and/or right, the bezel will continue to fill theopening 456.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the machine is operative to limitmovement of the bezel to a range of vertical and horizontal movementswith respect to the fascia. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.31, the fascia 450 may include one or more slots or channels 458 inwhich the bezel 452 slides. FIG. 32 shows a top cross-sectional view ofthe fascia 450 and bezel 452 prior to the fascia being closed shutadjacent the frame 474 and hardware devices of the machine. In thisexample, a hardware device 472 may not be aligned with the opening 454of the bezel 542. However, in this described exemplary embodiment, thebezel 452 may include guides 470 which are operative to move the bezel452 and its opening 454 into alignment with the hardware device 472 asthe fascia is being closed. The guides 470 may include angled and/orcurved surfaces 476 which act in the form of a funnel. The outer space482 between the outer ends 478 of the guides is sufficiently wide toenable the hardware device 472 to enter the outer space 482 even whenthe bezel is significantly out of alignment with the hardware device.The inner space 484 between the inner ends 480 of the guides 470 isrelatively narrower than the outer space 482 and about corresponds tothe width of the hardware device.

[0067] As the fascia is being shut, at least one of the angled and/orcurved surfaces 476 of the guides is operative to slide against a side486 of the hardware device, and as a result urge the bezel to sliderelative the fascia. As shown in FIG. 33, when the fascia 450 reachesits closed position adjacent the frame 474, the sliding of the hardwaredevice along at least one of the guides is operative to cause theopening 454 of the bezel to move into aligned engagement with thehardware device.

[0068]FIG. 34 shows a top cross-sectional view of an alternativeexemplary embodiment of a floating bezel 462. Here the bezel 462includes one or more apertures 464. The fascia 460 includes projections466 which pass through the apertures. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the diameters of the apertures 464 of the bezel arerelatively larger than the diameter of the projections 466 to enable thebezel to move into different horizontal and vertical positions relativethe fascia.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude a fascia which provides access to the components attached to thefascia without having to fully remove the fascia from the machine. Inthis described exemplary embodiment, the fascia may be operative to tiltrelative the frame into an open position. FIGS. 35-40 show an exemplaryembodiment of a fascia moving from a closed position to an open tiltedposition. In this described exemplary embodiment, the machine 500 mayinclude a rainshield housing 502. FIG. 35 shows a front view of thefascia 504 in a closed position. FIG. 36 shows a back view of the fascia504 in the closed position. The fascia 504 is operative to horizontallyslide in and out of the rainshield housing 502 on roller/guide wheels506 on each side of the fascia. The fascia may be retained in therainshield housing in its docked (closed) position by one or more slamlatches 507. Once the fascia is fully closed, these latches engage tolock the fascia in the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment theslam latches cannot be disengaged from the outside of the machine andmay only be accessed and disengaged from the inside of the machine.

[0070] The slam latches may include a bolt 509 that is automaticallyurged into a slot 511 of the fascia, when the fascia is completelyclosed. The slam latch 507 may include a lever 513 that when pulled isoperative to urge the bolt to move out of the slot. An exemplaryembodiment of the slam latch may further include a pull handle 515 inoperative connection with the lever 513. The pull handle 515 may extendtoward the back of the machine to enable a technician to more easilyunlock the slam latch from the back of the machine through a servicedoor.

[0071]FIGS. 37 and 38 show the fascia sliding horizontally and outwardfrom the rainshield housing 502. FIGS. 39 and 40 show the fasciaextending outward from the rainshield in a tilted orientation. FIG. 41shows the roller wheels 506 when the fascia is in the closed position.FIG. 42 shows the roller wheels 506 when the fascia is in the openedposition. When the fascia is being opened or closed the roller wheelsare operative to roll along the bottom wall of the rainshield housing502. When the fascia is fully opened, the rainshield housing may includea projection 508 which is operative to block further outward movement ofthe roller wheels 506. In this described exemplary embodiment the fasciamay include hooks 510 adjacent the roller wheels 506 which are operativeto catch on the projection 508 of the rainshield housing to preventfurther outward movement of the roller wheels.

[0072] In this described exemplary embodiment, when the hook 510 hasreached the projection of the rainshield housing, a forwardmost one ofthe roller wheels 512 may extend beyond the edge 514 of the rainshield,while a rearward roller wheel 516 remains in the rainshield. As shown inFIG. 43, in this extended position, the fascia is operative to tiltdownwardly by pivoting on the projection 508.

[0073] Referring back to FIG. 39, an upper portion of the fascia mayinclude articulating links 520 extending between the fascia 504 and therainshield housing 502. The links 520 are operative to extend outward aset distance which limits the amount of tilt of the fascia 504 relativethe rainshield housing 502.

[0074] In exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine, thefascia may be operative to enable different types of hardware deviceswith different sizes to be accessed through the fascia. For example asshown with respect to FIGS. 44 and 45, a fascia 548 may be configuredwith different bezels for engaging with a relatively narrow hardwaredevice 550 (FIG. 44) or relatively wider hardware devices 552 (FIG. 45).Further, in some configurations bezels 554 may be included in the fasciafor receiving hardware devices, while in other configurations a blankbezel 556 may be included in the fascia when a hardware device isabsent.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 46 an exemplary embodiment of the fascia 548 maybe configured with a plurality of different bezels such as a displaydevice bezel 560, a statement printer bezel 562, a blank coin bezel 564,a dispenser bezel 566, a keypad bezel 568, a bar code reader bezel 570,a depositor bezel 572, a blank card reader bezel 574, a card readerbezel 576, a receipt printer bezel 578, and/or other bezels which engagewith hardware devices in the machine.

[0076] To provide flexibility as to the location of hardware devicesmounted in the frame of the machine, the fascia may be adapted toreceive individual bezels in different locations on the fascia. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment of the fascia, the bezels may beinstalled from the front of the fascia and may be retained by snapfeatures, tabs, or other fasteners from the back of the fascia. Forexample, FIG. 47 shows a back view of a fascia 548, in which a bezel ismounted to the fascia using snaps 580 on the bezel which extend throughapertures 582 in the fascia. In addition, bezels may be mounted usingfasteners such as screws 584 which are threaded into engagement with abezel from the back of the fascia.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 48, these described exemplary embodiments ofbezels 600 may include an opening 602 for providing access to acorresponding hardware device through the fascia. Such access may enablekeys of a keypad or other portions of hardware devices to extend throughthe fascia. Such openings may also enable objects such as cash, cards,envelopes and other portable objects to pass into and out of a hardwaredevice through the fascia. Exemplary embodiments of hardware devices inan ATM may include LEDs or other display elements which provideinformation to a user of the machine. For such hardware devices,corresponding bezels may include one or more further openings 604 whichare adjacent the display elements of the hardware device. The furtheropenings 604 enable the display elements such as LEDs of hardwaredevices to be visible through the fascia. As shown in FIG. 49, the bezel600 may further include a transparent or translucent lens cover 606 inor adjacent to the further opening. Such a lens cover may have opticalproperties which are operative to magnify the light transmitted throughthe lens cover from the display elements of the hardware device. Inother exemplary embodiments the lens covers may have other opticalproperties including acting as a diffuser or altering the color of thelight emitted from LEDs.

[0078] Referring back to FIG. 46, exemplary embodiments of the fascia548 may include one or more task lighting devices 620 which may beoperative to illuminate portions of the fascia including the machine'sinput, output and transaction function devices which are used by aconsumer to perform transaction functions with the machine. As shown inFIG. 50, in an exemplary embodiment the task lighting device 620 mayinclude a two dimensional LED grid 623 comprised of compact size LEDs622 mounted on a PC board 624 or other substrate. Such an LED grid maybe powered using a 24 Volt DC power supply of the machine for example.As shown in FIG. 51, the task lighting device may further include aparabolic refracting diffuser lens 626 or other diffuser devicepositioned in front of the LED grid 623.

[0079]FIG. 52 shows an exploded view of the elements of an exemplaryembodiment of the task lighting device 620. Here the task lightingdevice 620 may include a mounting bracket 628 that is in operativeconnection between the LED grid 623 and a diffuser lens 626. Thecombination of the LED grid 623, mounting bracket 628 and diffuser lens626 may be connected to the fascia 548 adjacent an opening 630 in thefascia. As shown in FIG. 53 the mounting bracket 628 may include slideand snap-on devices 632 which are operative to releasably connect thetask lighting device 620 to the fascia 548. The fascia 548 may furtherinclude a flexible unlocking tab 634 which may be bent downward toenable the task lighting device 620 to slide out of engagement with thefascia 548.

[0080] Although the described exemplary embodiment of the task lightingdevice includes a plurality of LED light sources, in alternativeexemplary embodiments, the task lighting device may includeincandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or other light sources.

[0081] As discussed previously with respect to FIG. 46, a fascia mayinclude a removable display device bezel 560 which covers a displaydevice of the machine such as an LCD or CRT monitor. In exemplaryembodiments such a display device bezel 560 may include function keys650 therein.

[0082] In exemplary embodiments, the fascia 548 includes an opening 656at which the display device is mounted. The display device bezel 560 mayinclude a corresponding opening 652 that is covered with a transparentvandal shield 654. Such a shield may be comprised of a crack or shatterresistant glass or plastic and may be operative to protect the displaydevice from weather, and/or objects which could damage the displaydevice.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment the display device bezel 560 mayinclude a gasket. When the display device bezel 560 is mounted to thefascia 548, the gasket may be positioned between the display devicebezel 560 and the fascia 548 in surrounding relation about the opening656 through the fascia. In this described exemplary embodiment, thefunction keys 650 may be positioned outside the gasket to prevent waterentering the function keys to drain through the opening 656 in thefascia. In this described exemplary embodiment, the fascia may include arelatively smaller hole for receiving wires therethrough from thefunction keys of the display device bezel. Such a hole may be positionedabove the function keys 650 when the display device bezel is mounted tothe fascia.

[0084] As discussed previously, bezels for mounting to the fascia mayinclude an opening through which a hardware device is accessible. Forexample as shown in FIG. 46, the fascia may include a card reader bezel576 with an opening 670 through which a card may be inserted or removedfrom a card reader device. When an automated banking machine is beingserviced, it is often necessary to separate one or more hardware devicefrom engagement with the fascia. Unfortunately, when a hardware deviceis removed in this manner, users that are unaware that the machine isdown for servicing may continue to attempt to insert objects such ascards through the openings in the bezels. If the hardware device such asthe card reader is not adjacent the bezel 676, the card may fall intothe interior of the machine.

[0085] Exemplary embodiments of the bezels for the fascia may includegates which are operative to close the openings to the bezels when thecorresponding hardware device is not positioned adjacent the bezel. FIG.54 shows a back perspective view of a card reader bezel 576 whichincludes a gate 672. The gate 672 is operative to move between a firstposition which covers the opening 670 through the bezel 576 and a secondposition which uncovers the opening 670. FIG. 54 shows the gate 672 inthe first or lowered position which covers the opening 670. FIG. 55shows the gate 672 in the second or upward position which uncovers theopening 670. In this described exemplary embodiment the gate 672includes projections 674 on opposed sides of the gate. The projectionsare operative to slide within vertical slots 676 adjacent opposed endsof the bezel 576. The gate may further include ribs 678 adjacent opposedends of the gate. The ribs may include lower outer surfaces 680 whichextend outwardly from the rear face or back surface 673 of the gate inan upward direction and at an acute angle with respect to verticallyoriented back surface 673. When the card reader device is pulled backfrom the card reader bezel 576, gravity or an urging device such as aspring is operative to urge the gate to slide downwardly to cover theopening 670 of the bezel. When the card reader device is moved intoengagement with the bezel, the card reader is operative to contact theouter surfaces 680 of the ribs 678 of the gate 672 and urge the gateupwardly away from the opening 670. In exemplary embodiments the acuteangle of the lower surfaces 680 of the ribs may be between 30-60 degreesor some other angle which is operative to facilitate the gate beingmoved upwardly when the bezel 576 and card reader are brought intoengagement.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, when the gate is in the second orlowered position, an outwardly facing surface of the gate may include adistinctive coloring and/or indicia which is visible through theopening. The distinctive color and/or indicia may serve to inform a userthat the machine is not in service. For example, the gate may include ared coloring and/or may have words thereon representative of the machineor device being out of service.

[0087] As discussed previously, the automated banking machine mayinclude floating bezels which provide an opening that may movevertically and/or horizontally to align with a hardware device. Also, inexemplary embodiments, the machine may include hardware devices whichare operative to move in three dimensions relative the frame of themachine to automatically align and dock the hardware device with a fixedopening in a bezel of the fascia.

[0088] For example FIG. 56 shows an exemplary embodiment of a receiptprinter device 700 which is operative to dock with a receipt printerbezel 702. Here the bezel includes one or more alignment ribs 704. Thealignment ribs include inwardly angled or curved surfaces 706 which areoperative to guide the front 708 of the receipt printer device 700 intodocked engagement with the opening 710 of the bezel 702 when the fasciaand receipt printer device are brought together. In exemplaryembodiments the angled surface 706 of the alignment ribs may extenddownwardly from below the opening 710 in the bezel 702 at an acute anglewith respect to the generally vertical back surface of the bezel. Suchan acute angle of the angled surface 706 may be between 30-60 degrees orsome other angle that is operative to guide the printer into alignmentwith the opening 710 in the bezel when the printer and bezel are broughtinto engagement. In exemplary embodiments; a bezel of the fascia and ahardware devices may be brought together when a previously opened fasciais moved into a closed position relative the frame of the machine. Inother exemplary embodiments, a bezel of the fascia and a hardware devicemay be brought together when a hardware device is returned from an outerservice position to an inner docked position relative to the frame. FIG.57 shows the receipt printer device 700 docked in aligned relation withthe bezel 702.

[0089] To achieve three dimensional adjustment of the hardware device,all or portions of the hardware device may be operative to move relativeto the frame of the machine between a plurality of different up-down,side-to-side and forward-rearward positions. For example, FIG. 58 showsa perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the receipt printer700. In this described exemplary embodiment, the receipt printer mayinclude movable portion 720 that is in pivoting connection with a fixedportion 722. When mounted to a frame of the automated banking machine,the fixed portion 722 may be mounted in generally rigid engagement withthe frame. The movable portion 720 may then be operative to pivot withrespect to the fixed portion 722 and the frame of the machine.

[0090] In this described exemplary embodiment, the receipt printerincludes one or more pins 726 in operative connection between themovable portion 720 and the fixed portion 722. The movable portion 720is operative to pivot with respect to the fixed portion at the pins 726.For example is this described exemplary embodiment, the pins 726 mayextend from the movable portion 720 into pivoting engagement withinslots 724 in the fixed portion 722. However, it is to be understood thatin alternative exemplary embodiments, the fixed portion may include pinswhich extend into pivoting engagement with slots in the movable portion.In either embodiment, a front or exit end 708 of the movable portion 720is operative to move in an upward direction 728 or a downward direction730 relative the fixed portion 722 and fascia by pivoting the movableportion 720 with respect to the fixed portion 722.

[0091] As used herein the exit end 708 corresponds to the portion of theprinter in which a sheet such as a receipt exits the printer. However,it is to be understood that in other types of transaction functionsdevices the front of the device may correspond to an input end which isoperative to receive a deposit. Whether the front of a transactionfunction device corresponds to an exit end, input end or both, theportion of the front of the transaction function device which receive oroutputs an item through an opening of the fascia is referred to hereinas an opening to the transaction function device.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment, the slots 724 may include ahorizontal length which is longer than the diameter of the pins 726 andwhich is operative to enable the pins 726 to move forward or rearward inthe slots 724. As a result the exit end 708 of the movable portion isoperative to move in a forward direction 732 or a rearward direction 734by the movement of the pins 726 in the slots 724. FIG. 58 shows anexample of the pins 726 moved to a forward position in the slot 724,which moves the exit end 708 of the movable portion into a forwardposition with respect to the fixed portion 722. FIG. 59 shows an exampleof the pins 726 moved to a rearward position in the slot 724, whichmoves the front 708 of the movable portion into a rearward position withrespect to the fixed portion 722.

[0093] In addition to the pins of the receipt printer being operative topivot with respect to the slots of the receipt printer and beingoperative to move to different forward or rearward positions in theslots, the pins 726 may further be operative to move in transversedirections with respect to the slot or vertical plan that includes theslot. For example FIG. 60 shows a top view of the receipt printer. Theexit end 708 of the movable portion 720 is operative to move in eitherof the opposed side-to-side directions 736, 738 by the transversemovement of the pins 726 with respect to the slots 724.

[0094] In addition to the pins 726 moving in synchronousforward-rearward or upward-downward directions with respect to the slots724, in exemplary embodiments, the pins may move independently withrespect to each other in their respective slots 724. For example, afirst one of the pins 740 may be operative to move to a forward positionin its corresponding slot, while the second one of the pins 742 moves toa rearward position in its corresponding slot. As a result a first side744 of the exit end 708 of the movable portion may move to a positionthat is further forward relative the fixed portion 722 compared to theposition of a second side 746 of the exit end 708 of the movable portionrelative the fixed portion 722.

[0095] Although in this described exemplary embodiment of the receiptprinter, the movable portion is in operative connection with a fixedportion using pins which are operative to pivot and slide withinelongated slots, in other exemplary embodiments, hardware devices orportion of the hardware devices may be operative to move relative to theframe and fascia using other connection devices. For example, in analternative exemplary embodiments, a hardware device of the machine mayinclude a movable portion that is mounted to a fixed portion usingflexible, extensible, and/or resilient connection devices. An example ofsuch flexible, extensible, and/or resilient connection devices mayinclude a spring. In such an alternative exemplary embodiment the one ormore springs may be used to connect the movable portion to the fixedportion of the hardware device. The springs may bias the movable portioninto a home position. However, when the front of the movable portioncontacts a bezel of a fascia, the springs may be operative to enable themovable portion to move out of its home position into an offset positionin which the front of the movable portion is properly aligned and dockedwith the bezel of the fascia.

[0096] Referring back to FIG. 58, the exemplary embodiment of theprinter may include a bracket 750 that is operative to support a roll ofpaper 752. Paper 756 from the roll of paper 752 may pass through aprinter mechanism 754 which is operative to print indicia on the paper.In an exemplary embodiment, the printer mechanism may correspond to athermal printer, ink jet printer, dot matrix printer or any other typeof printer mechanism that is capable of producing indicia on the paperin one, or more colors on the paper 756. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the fixed portion 722 of the printer may include the bracket750 and the movable portion 720 may include the printer mechanism 754.In addition the movable portion 720 may include a spring 751 that isoperative to apply tension to the paper which minimizes slack in thepaper 756 as the movable member 720 moves with respect to the fixedmember 722.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment the printer mechanism may correspondto a thermal printer device which is operative to produce indicia suchas letter and graphics in two colors. Such colors may include black andsome other color such as red or blue based on the paper used to printthe indicia. The printer may be operative to manage the powerrequirements for the printer head by alternating the input of power tothe printer head through the use of different capacitors.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment, the printer may further include acutting mechanism 758 that is operative to cut the paper from the rollinto individual receipts. In this described exemplary embodiment, theprinter may include a set 764 of lugged belts 760 which are operative torotate. A lower run 763 of the belts is operative to move the cut paperreceipt across an inner surface 765 to the delivery opening 767 at theexit end 708 of the printer. The lugged belts 760 may include spacedapart projections 762 which are operative to assist the belts ingrasping and urging the receipt paper to move from the printer mechanism754 to the delivery opening 767.

[0099]FIG. 61 shows a front cross-sectional view of the receipt printer.The exemplary embodiment of the receipt printer may include a lowerwaffled surface 780 adjacent the exit end 708 of the printer. As usedherein a waffled surface corresponds to a surface that includes aplurality of alternating and parallel ridges and troughs. The set 764 oflugged belts are operative to move a receipt over the waffled surface780 and to urge the receipt to form a waffled or wavy shape whichcorresponds to the waffled surface 780. In the exemplary embodiment, thewaffled surface may include a central ridge 782 positioned between twogrooves 784, 786. Portions of the ends of the belts 760 may bepositioned to move through the grooves 784, 786.

[0100] Although, the waffled surface 780 may be located adjacent theexit end 708 of the printer, in exemplary embodiments, the printer mayfurther be operative to impart all or portions of the waffle shape intothe receipt prior to reaching the exit end 708 of the printer. Forexample as shown in a cross-sectional side view of the receipt printer700 in FIG. 62, the printer may include a elongated ridge 761 betweenthe lower run 765 of the belts 760. When the belts move the receiptacross the ridge, the ridge is operative to urge the center of thereceipt to bow upward, while the belts ar operative to urge portion ofthe receipt into the grooves.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine may beoperative to determine whether or not a user has taken a receipt fromthe receipt printer. For example, the receipt printer may include asensor 790 which is operative to detect the presence or absence of areceipt adjacent the exit end 708 of the printer. The automated bankingmachine may use the sensor to determine if the receipt is still presentafter a predetermined amount of time has lapsed since the receipt wastransported to the exit end 708 of the printer. When the machinedetermines that the user has not taken the receipt after thepredetermined amount of time has lapsed, the machine may be operative tocause the receipt printer to retract the receipt.

[0102] In this described exemplary embodiment, the belts 760 may bedriven in reverse to move the receipt away from the exit end the 708 ofthe printer and in a direction toward the printer mechanism 754. A gate792 may rotate in response to gravity or other forces so thatprojections 796 of the gate 792 transversely extend through the lowerrun of the belts 760. When the receipt printer reaches the gate, theinner surface 798 of the gate is operative to direct a receipt 792 tomove downwardly into a reservoir 799 for collecting retrieved receipts.Further examples of gates which may be used in exemplary embodiments ofthe printer are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,075 of Dec. 15, 1998 whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0103] In exemplary embodiments, the receipt printer may include aserial, parallel, USB, or other interface for use with interfacing withthe computer of the automated banking machine. In addition the printermay include one or more LED indicator lights 800 or other displayelements which are operative to provide information about the operationof the printer to user's of the machine. Referring back to FIG. 56, thereceipt printer bezel 702 may include a further opening 802 which isadjacent the LED indicator lights of the printer when the printer isdocked adjacent the bezel 702, In alternative exemplary embodiments thebezel may include one continuous opening which combines the opening 710for the delivery of a receipt through the bezel with the opening 702 forviewing the LED indicator lights of the printer.

[0104] An exemplary embodiment of the previously described wafflesurface 720 may be orientated to slope downwardly from the printermechanism 754 to the opening 710 through the bezel. In this orientationthe waffled surface of the movable member may be operative to directwater entering the machine to drain back out of the bezel of themachine.

[0105] Although the previously described printer has been described ascorresponding to a receipt printer, it is too be understood that thedescribed features of the printer may also be used for other types ofprinters and/or other types of hardware devices in the automated bankingmachine. Such other types of printers in an automated banking machinemay include a statement printer, passbook printer, ticket printer, moneyorder printer or any other type of printer that may be used by anautomated banking machine. Further the alignment and docking features ofthe described receipt printer and corresponding bezel may further beused in other hardware devices of the automated banking machineincluding, cash dispensers/acceptors, envelope dispensers/acceptors,card readers, display devices, coin dispensers/acceptors or any otherhardware device which is accessible by a user through the fascia of themachine.

[0106] Automated banking machines may be manufactured for use indifferent locations. Depending on the location of the automated bankingmachine, the size, shape and configuration of the fascia and/or framemay be different. For example, FIG. 63 shows a relatively narrowautomated banking machine which is designed for mounting through a wallof a building. As shown in FIG. 64, the relatively narrow wall mountedmachine 900 may be configured with hardware devices which are capable ofenabling a user to perform transactions such as the dispense of cash.FIG. 65 shows the relative motions of a user's hand to perform steps fordispensing cash with the relatively narrow wall mounted machine 900.

[0107] Initially at a first position 1 adjacent a card reader 22, theuser may insert her card into the card reader. Next the user may moveher hand in a generally leftward direction to a second position 2adjacent a keypad 16, to type in the user's PIN. The user may next moveher hand in an upward and rightward direction to a third position 3adjacent the function keys 14 to press the function key corresponding tothe withdraw of cash. As the user may have more than one type of accountassociated with her card, the user may move her hand to the same oranother one of the function keys at a fourth position 4 adjacent thefunction keys to select an account. Next the user may move her handdownwardly and leftward to a fifth position 5 adjacent the keypad 16, toinput the amount of cash to dispense.

[0108] For exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine whichinclude a display screen 12 with a touch screen, rather than pressingfunction keys to select a withdrawal transaction the user may tapgraphical buttons displayed on the display screen to select atransaction and/or an account. As a result in alternative exemplaryembodiments, after entering a PIN at the second position adjacent thekeypad, the user may move her hand upwardly to a third/fourth positionadjacent the display screen 12 rather than moving her hand upwardly andrightwardly to a third/fourth position adjacent the function keys 14.After the transaction and/or account have been selected using thedisplay screen, the user may then move her hand downwardly from thedisplay screen to the fifth position adjacent the keypad, to input theamount of cash to dispense.

[0109] Once the amount is entered, the user may move her hand upwardlyand rightwardly to a sixth position 6 adjacent the function keys 14 toprovide an input which verifies and/or initiates the dispense of theinputted amount of cash. Next the user may move her hand downwardly andleftwardly to a seventh position 7 adjacent the cash dispenser 24 totake the cash. In alternative exemplary embodiment of a machine with atouch screen, after the user has entered an amount with the keypad atposition five, the user may move her hand upwardly to a sixth positionadjacent the display screen 12 to provide an input which verifies and/orinitiates the dispense of the inputted amount of cash. Subsequently theuser may move her hand downwardly to a seventh position adjacent thecash dispenser 24 to take the cash.

[0110] After taking the cash, the user may move her hand upwardly andleftwardly to an eighth position 8 adjacent the receipt printer 20 totake her receipt. In addition the user may next move her handrightwardly to a ninth position 9 adjacent the card reader to take hercard from the machine.

[0111]FIG. 65 shows the relative positions 1-9 and the order that thehand of the user may move in to perform the steps to dispense cash. Thisorder forms a spatial pattern 902 for which the same user or differentuser's may follow in order to perform the same transaction. An exemplaryembodiment includes configuring the hardware devices and fascia ofdifferent types and models of automated banking machines for a series ofmachines to enable a user to generally follow the same spatial pattern902 of positions when performing the same type of transactions at thedifferent types and models of automated banking machines of the sameseries.

[0112] In alternative exemplary embodiments, the machine may beoperative to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of differenthuman languages with which the automated banking machine can outputinformation. Further, in alternative exemplary embodiments, theautomated banking machine may prompt the user to indicate if they wouldlike a receipt, another transaction or other information related tofunctions performed at the machine. Such variations in the programmingof the automated banking machines may vary the timing, distances,directions, and order in which the user movers her hand. However, eventhough the patterns may be different for different transactions anddifferent configurations of the user interface, in exemplaryembodiments, the automated banking machine of different types and modelsin a series are capable of enabling a user to move her hand in generallythe same pattern for the same types of transactions and user interfaceconfigurations.

[0113] For example, FIGS. 66 and 67 show a relatively wider automatedbanking machine 910 which includes a different fascia 912 than thefascia 904 shown with the relatively narrower machine 900 in FIG. 63.The fascia 912 includes relatively more locations for hardware devicesto be accessible through the fascia. However, as shown in FIG. 68, therelative spatial positions 1-9 at which a user's hand must follow inorder to perform the previously described dispense transaction forms agenerally similar pattern 914 compared to the pattern 902 as shown inFIG. 65.

[0114]FIGS. 69 and 70 show a relatively narrower standalone automatedbanking machine 920 which includes a different fascia 922 than thepreviously described fascias 904, 912. Here the machine 920 is designedto be placed on the floor rather than through a wall and may also bereferred to as a lobby model. However, as shown in FIG. 71, the relativespatial positions 1-9 at which a user's hand must follow in order toperform the previously described dispense transaction forms a generallysimilar pattern 924 compared to the patterns 902, 914 shown in FIGS. 65and 68.

[0115]FIGS. 72 and 73 show a relatively wider standalone automatedbanking machine 930 which includes a different fascia 932 than thepreviously described fascias 904, 912, 922. Here the machine 930 isdesigned to be placed on the floor rather than within a wall andincludes a configuration that is operative provide accesses to a largernumber of hardware devices than the relatively narrow stand alone model920. However, as shown in FIG. 74, the relative spatial positions 1-9 atwhich a user's hand must follow in order to perform the previouslydescribed dispense transaction forms a generally similar pattern 934compared to the patterns 902, 914, 924 shown in FIGS. 65, 68, and 71.

[0116] In exemplary embodiments the distances between components may bedifferent depending on the different models of the automated bankingmachines for a series. As a result the previously described patterns902, 914, 924, 934 may require a user's hand to move shorter or longervertical or horizontal distances between components depending on themodel of machines. However in this described exemplary embodiment, thepatterns are generally the same in regard to the relative up, down,right, and/or left directions a user's hand must follow to move fromcomponent to component to perform the same transaction at the differenttypes and models of machines for the series.

[0117] As used herein, the different models of automated bankingmachines for a series which are operative to direct a user's hand tomove in a common pattern to perform a common transaction include atleast one freestanding or stand alone machine that is operative tosupport itself on a floor and at least one machine that is operative tobe mounted in supporting connection through a wall.

[0118] The exemplary embodiment includes a method of manufacturingand/or configuring a series of different types and/or models ofautomated banking machines in which the relative positions of commonhardware devices are orientated in the same spatial configuration.Further, the method may include providing each of the different typesand/or models of automated banking machines in the series with userinterface software which is operative to direct a user to access thehardware components in the same order for corresponding transactions.

[0119] To enable different automated banking machine models to produce acommon pattern of hand motions for performing a common transaction, thedifferent models may place common components in generally the sameregions of the fascia. For example as shown in FIGS. 64, 67, 70, 73, thefascias of these different models of machines may include threevertically aligned regions which (as shown in FIG. 64) include an upperregion 950, a middle region 952, and a lower region 952. For each ofthese models, the upper regions 950 may include the display screen 12and the function keys 14. The middle regions 952 may include the receiptprinter 20, keypad 16, and card reader 22. The lower regions 954 mayinclude the cash dispenser 24. In addition for each of these models, thereceipt printer 20 is positioned generally leftwardly of the keypad 16and the card reader 22 is positioned generally rightwardly of the keypad16 from the perspective of a user facing the machine.

[0120] However, as discussed previously, it is to be understood thatexemplary embodiments of the fascia can be customized to placecomponents in different positions. For example as shown in FIG. 1, thestatement printer 21 and receipt printer 20 may switch locations.Nevertheless, in exemplary embodiments, the different models ofautomated banking machines described herein are capable of having commoncomponents placed in common locations to enable the hand motion patternsfor performing transactions at the different models of the machines tobe generally the same. Thus a user performing the same transactions atthese different types and/or models of machines in a series of machinesare enabled to follow the same familiar motions and patterns to completethe same types of transactions.

[0121] Exemplary embodiments of automated banking machines may include anumber of components which include parts with cylindrical or curvedsurfaces. An example of cylindrical parts of the machine may includelarge capacitors. An exemplary embodiment of the machine may include abracket for mounting such cylindrical or curved parts within theenclosure of the machine so that the parts are rigidly secured in aposition that is accessible for inspection and replacement by atechnician.

[0122]FIG. 75 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bracket 300 that may beused for mounting a capacitor or other object within an automatedbanking machine. The bracket may include an interior portion 302 definedby one or more walls 304, 306, 308, 310. At least one of the walls mayinclude a plurality of channels 312, 316. The end of each channel mayinclude a groove 314, 318 which extends in a generally perpendiculardirection with respect to one side of each channel. In the exemplaryembodiment a set of two adjacent channels 312, 316 may include facinggrooves 314, 318 which extend towards each other. As shown in FIG. 76,an object such as a capacitor 320 may be securely mounted to the bracket300 using a cable tie 322 or other flexible fastener. The cable tie mayextend through two adjacent grooves 314, 318 and around the capacitor320.

[0123]FIG. 77 illustrates a method for installing an object into thebracket 300. Here a cable tie 322 or other flexible fastener may beplaced around the object such as the capacitor 320. Two ends 330, 332 ofthe cable tie 322 may be slid through adjacent channels 312, 316 in thebracket. Either before or after the cable tie is inserted through thechannels, the ends of the cable tie may be connected together to form aloop 350. When the cable tie is slide into the two adjacent channels312, 316, the capacitor 320 and the portion of the bracket 352 thatextends between the two adjacent channels 312, 316 will extend throughthe loop 350 of the cable tie. When the ends of the cable tie reach thegrooves 314, 318 the cable tie may be tightened to reduce thecircumference of the loop 350. Reducing the circumference of the loop isoperative to urge the ends of the cable tie 330, 332 into the grooves314, 318 and rigidly hold the capacitor to the wall 308 of the bracket.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket may further includefeatures which facilitate the bracket being mounted to the enclosure,frame or other portion of the automated banking machine. In theexemplary embodiment, such features may include tabs or hooks 360 whichextend adjacent a wall 362 of the bracket. As shown in FIG. 78, thehooks 360 may be adapted to slide within one or more slots 380 in aportion 382 of the automated banking machine. In addition the bracket300 may include a hole 364 which is operative to receive a screw 384 orother fastener therethrough. In this described exemplary embodiment,when the hooks 360 of the bracket are inserted into slots 380 of theautomated banking machine, the screw 384 or other fastener may also beinserted into the hole 364 for use with rigidly connecting the bracketto the portion 382 of the automated banking machine.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 75, the bracket may further include flanges 370in the interior portion 302 of the bracket. The flanges are operative toprevent the capacitor from moving into contact with the wall 306 therebypreventing electrical contacts of the capacitor from being in electricalcommunication with the wall 306.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 79, exemplary embodiments of the struts 100, 104of the frame 110 of the automated banking machine may include outwardlyextending ridges 1010 or other spacers. The ridges or other spaces areoperative to support the panels at a sufficient distance from thesurfaces 1012 of the struts to provide channels 1014 for receiving wiresand cables 1018 of the hardware devices mounted within the frame 110.When looking into the interior 1020 of the frame, the struts areoperative to hide from view the cables or wires being routed along theoutside surfaces 1012 of the struts.

[0127] In this described exemplary embodiment, the struts may furtherinclude cable retainers 1022 which are operative to hold the wires andcables in place adjacent the channels 1014 of the struts. The exemplaryembodiments of the struts may further include apertures 1019therethrough for routing cables, wires, electrical lines or othercomponents between the inner portions 1020 of the frame and the channels1014 of the struts.

[0128] In addition to mounting cables adjacent the struts of the frame,exemplary embodiments may route cables and wires through flexibleconduits. FIG. 80 shows an example of a flexible conduit 1030. Theflexible conduit 1030 may include a continuous channel therethroughwhich extends between the ends of the conduit 1032, 1034. One or morecables or wires 1036 of the hardware devices of the machine may berouted through the channel of the conduit 1030. In this describedexemplary embodiment, the conduit may be comprised of a plurality ofhollow links 1038. Each link is connected to an adjacent link with a pin1040. Each adjacent pair of links is operative to pivot with respect toeach other about the pin. When a hardware device is positioned withinthe frame, the flexible conduit 1030 may be orientated in a curved orgenerally U-shaped orientation in which the opposed ends 1032, 1034 arerelatively close together. When the hardware device is pulled out of themachine for servicing, the flexible conduit 1030 is operative to uncurlthereby enabling the distance between the ends 1032, 1034 to increase.In this described exemplary embodiment, one or both of the ends 1032,1034 of the flexible conduit may be in pivoting connection withcorresponding hardware devices, brackets, and/or frame of the machine.

[0129] To further retain cables and wires 1052, exemplary embodiments ofthe automated banking machine may include cable retention rings 1050.Such retention rings may include a base with an aperture therethroughfor receiving a fastener such as a screw. The retention rings may bemounted as needed to the frame and/or hardware devices of the machine.Each retention ring may include a slit adjacent the base which enablescables to be passed into and out of the interior of the retention ring.In an exemplary embodiment the cable retainer may correspond to a curvedor curled finger which at least partially surrounds a cable orelectrical line.

[0130] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude large hinges for opening various doors, portions of the fascia,the chest door, or any other component which rotates between an open andclosed position. To prevent such hinges from being visible, an exemplaryembodiment of the machine may include a trimcap linkage system which isoperative to cover one or more hinges without interfering with theopening of a door associated with the hinges.

[0131] For example, FIG. 81 shows a top view of an automated bankingmachine 1300. The machine includes a door 1302 in hinged connection witha portion 1307 of the machine. The hinges 1305 of the machine 1300 mayextend downwardly between the door 1302 and the portion 1307 of theautomated banking machine. FIG. 81 shows the door in an open position.FIG. 82 shows the door in the closed position.

[0132] When the door is in the closed position (FIG. 82) a coveringdevice or hinge cover 1304 (which may also be referred to herein as atrimcap) may be urged by a linkage system 1306 into a position whichconceals or covers the hinges 1305 from a front facing viewpoint 1308and/or side facing view point 1310. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the trimcap may correspond to an elongated enclosure with anopen end. When the door is closed the hinges are operative to pass intothe opening of the enclosure so that at least portions of the hinges arelocated within the trimcap 1304. In alterative exemplary embodiments thetrimcap may correspond to an elongated wall which when the door isclosed moves adjacent the side of the door so as to conceal the hinges1305 from the front facing viewpoint 1308.

[0133] The linkage system of the exemplary embodiment may include afirst linkage 1312 and a second linkage 1314. A first end 1322 of thefirst linkage 1312 may be in pivoting connection with the portion 1307of the machine at a first point 1320. The second end 1324 of the firstlinkage 1312 may be in operative supporting connection with the trim cap1304 at a second point. A first end 1330 of the second linkage 1314 maybe in pivoting connection with the first linkage 1312 at a third point1332. Also, a second end 1334 of the second linkage 1314 may be inpivoting connection with the door 1302 at a fourth pont 1336.

[0134] In this described exemplary embodiment, when the door is movingfrom an open position (FIG. 81) to the closed position (FIG. 82), thesecond linkage 1314 is operative to urge the first linkage 1312 torotate the trimcap to a position which conceals the hinges 1305. Whenthe door is moving in the opposite direction from the closed position(FIG. 82) to the open position (FIG. 81), the second linkage 1314 isoperative to urge the first linkage 1312 to rotate the trimcap away fromthe hinges 1305. In the open position, the trim cap is moved asufficient distance from the hinges 1305 to provide room for the door torotate about the hinges.

[0135] As with the previously described system for mounting capacitorsto the automated banking machine, other types of hardware devices may bemounted within the frame without the use of tools. For example, theframe of the machine may include one or more trays mounted therein forreceiving hardware devices in supporting connection therewith. Anexample of such a tray 1402 is shown in FIG. 83. The tray may includeone or more slots 1404 therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment, thehardware devices 1406 may include mounting brackets 1408. The mountingbrackets of the hardware devices may include hooked tabs 1410 similar inconfiguration to the hooks 360 shown in FIG. 78.

[0136] To connect the hardware device to the tray, the hooked tabs 1410may be slid into the slots 1404 of the tray 1402. As shown in FIG. 84,the tray may further include an upwardly angled tab 1412 positionedadjacent an edge 1414 of the tray 1402. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the angled tab 1412 is operative to contact a side 1416 ofthe hardware device 1406 thereby blocking the hardware device fromsliding its hooked tabs out of the slots of the tray. To insert orremove the hardware device, the angled tab 1412 may be pushed downwardto enable the hardware device 1406 to pass overtop of the angled tab.

[0137] An exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine mayinclude various parts which are mounted to an exterior of the machine.As shown in FIG. 85, such parts may include portions of the fascia suchas a trim ring 1420. The trim ring may be comprised of more than oneseparate parts which are placed together to form the complete ring. Forexample as shown in FIG. 86 such separate parts may include a topportion 1422 and a side portion 1424. An exemplary embodiment mayinclude a method of mounting an assembly of parts to the automatedbanking machine. The method may include placing the parts together andinserting a gasket 1426 into both parts, which gasket transverses theinterface 1428 where the two parts meet. In this described method, thegasket is operative to hold the separate parts together while theassembly is being installed to the automated banking machine. Inaddition, in this described exemplary embodiment, the gasket may furtherbe operative to block rain water and other elements from passing betweenthe installed part and the automated banking machine.

[0138] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude other features and methods for mounting hardware devices,components, and brackets to the machine without the use of fastenerssuch as screws. For example, FIG. 87 shows an exemplary embodiment of asheet metal bracket 1430. As shown in FIG. 88, the bracket may includeone or more pre-bent tabs 1434. The tabs may include a groove 1432 cutpartially into a surface of the tab 1434. In an exemplary embodiment,the groove may be cut with a laser to have a depth which is less thanthe thickness of the tab.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 87, components 1436 of the automated bankingmachine such as a plastic cover for example, may be mounted to a sheetmetal bracket 1430. The component 1436 may include a U-shaped tab 1438which forms a loop with a slot therethrough. As shown in FIG. 89, theU-shaped tab 1438 may be placed around the tab 1434 of the metal bracket1430 so that the metal tab passes through the slot in the loop. As shownin FIG. 90, the metal tab 1434 may be bent upward to form a second bendwhich locks the U-shaped tab in place. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the metal tab 1434 is operative to bend at the groove 1432.To remove the component, the metal tab 1434 may be bent back down toenable the U-shaped tab to slide off of the metal tab 1434.

[0140] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude components comprises of sheet metal parts which are connectedtogether by inserting a tab of one part into a slot of another part andthen bending the tab to lock the parts together. FIG. 120 shows anexample of an exemplary first automated banking machine part 2100 whichincludes a plurality of slots 2110 therethrough. In an exemplaryembodiment the slot 2110 is operative to receive therein a tab 2112 of asecond part 2102 of the automated banking machine. In exemplaryembodiments, the tab 2112 may include a base portion 2114 adjacent thebody 2108 of the second component which tapers to a relatively narrowertip portion 2130.

[0141] The slot may include an elongated portion 2118 with a width thatabout corresponds and/or is slightly larger than a width of the baseportion 2114 of the tab 2112. The elongated portion 2118 may include atleast two side edges 2126, 2128. At least one of the side edges mayincludes a outwardly bowed portion 2120 which provides the slot 2110with a wider center relative the thickness of the slot at each of theends 2122, 2124 of the elongated portion. In the exemplary embodiment,the bowed portion 2120 have a generally semi-circular shape. Alsoexemplary embodiments, the bowed portion 2120 may not extend to each ofthe end portions 2122, 2124. When a tab, or set of tabs is beinginserted into a slot or set of slots, the relatively wider bowed portion2120 of the slots is operative to facilitate centering and aligning thetabs 2112 with the slots 2110. The relatively narrower end portions2122, 2124 are sufficiently narrow to minimize a fully inserted tab fromsliding in directions parallel to the surface of the first part 2100.

[0142] To facilitate the tabs being bent accurately and consistently atthe base, such tabs may be laser cut as discussed previously withrespect to the metal tab 1432 shown in FIG. 90. For example, as shown inFIG. 120, the base 2114 of the tabs 2112 may include a small thin groove2116 with a depth that is less than the thickness of the tab. Inexemplary embodiments the length of the groove may be equal to or lessthan the width of the base of the tab. In and exemplary embodiment, thegroove may not extend to the edges of the tab.

[0143] After a tab 2112 has been inserted into a slot 2110, force may beapplied adjacent a side of the tab using hand tools such as pliersand/or a rubber mallet. In the exemplary embodiment, the tab isoperative to bend at the groove which is operative to draw the two parts2100 and 2102 together to form a tight and/or rigid connection betweenthe parts. For example, hand tools such as pliers may be used toinitially start bending a tab which is operative to urge the partscloser together and shrink gaps between the mating surfaces of parts.Subsequently a hand tool such as a rubber mallet may used to bend thetab generally flat (FIG. 121) and at about ninety degrees to lock thetwo parts together.

[0144] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine may beoperative to mount PC boards in the automated banking machine withoutthe use of tools. For example FIGS. 91 and 92 show an exemplaryembodiment of a PC board cover 1440 that may be mounted in an automatedbanking machine. The PC board cover 1440 may include stepped bosses 1441which are operative to cooperatively engage with apertures 1442 throughPC boards 1447 to support the PC Boards on the cover 1440. The PC boardcover 1440 may further include flexible snaps 1444 with projections 1445which are operative to hook overtop of a PC board 1447 to releasablylock the PC boards to the bosses 1441.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 91, the PC board cover 1440 may includerelatively shorter snaps 1446 adjacent taller snaps 1448. As shown inFIG. 93, the relatively shorter snaps 1446 may be used to mount a firstPC board 1450 to the cover, while the relatively taller snaps 1448 maybe used to mount a second PC board 1452 to the cover in a position thatis above the first PC board. The tops of the shorter snaps 1446 or otherspacing devices may be used to support the second PC board 1452 inspaced apart relation above the first PC board 1450. The snaps may bemanually flexed open to assemble the PC board on the cover and thenflexed back to hold the PC board in place.

[0146] In exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine, cableswhich plug into hardware components may be secured in place using cablelocks. For example FIG. 94 shows the previously described PC board cover1440. Here the cover is shown with integral cable locks 1460. The cablelocks may include a plurality of ribs 1462. Adjacent ribs may include anundersized gap 1464 therebetween for creating an interference fitbetween the ribs and a cable 1466. As shown in FIG. 95, plastic housings1472 for hardware devices and or the hardware devices themselves mayinclude one or more cable locks 1470 adjacent locations that cables 1474may be connected to the hardware devices.

[0147]FIG. 96 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cable lock1480 integrated into a sheet metal bracket. Here the bracket may includea plurality of ribs 1482 that receive cables therebetween. The cablelocks may be positioned sufficiently close to a head 1484 of a connectedcable 1490 so as to block the cable from moving completely out ofconnection with the hardware device 1486. Here the width of the gap 1488may be relatively narrower than the width of the head 1484 of the cable1490. In this described exemplary embodiment the cable 1490 may beinstalled at an acute angle into the port of the hardware device 1486and then pushed down into the cable lock 1480 to secure the cable inplace generally perpendicular with respect to the hardware device port.In this described exemplary embodiment, the cable locks 1480 may or maynot have gaps between adjacent ribs that are sufficiently small to forman interference fit with the cable.

[0148] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude various methods of connecting plastic parts to metal parts. Suchmethods may include the use of flexible snaps as discussed previouslywith respect to the PC board cover in FIG. 92. For example as shown inFIG. 97, a plastic bezel 1500 may include pins 1508 which pass throughapertures 1510 in a sheet metal bracket 1506 to assist in properlypositioning the bezel to the sheet metal bracket. In addition theplastic bezel may include flexible snaps 1502 which may be inserted intoslots 1504 in the sheet metal bracket 1506 to lock the bezel in place.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment of assembling the automated bankingmachines, only the snaps and pins may be used to secure the bezel inplace. However the exemplary embodiment of the bezel may further includethreaded supports 1512, which may be used at a later time to mount ascrew or other fastener for holding the bezel to the sheet metal bracketwhen the pins or snaps of the bezel have become damaged or worn.

[0150] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayfurther include other methods and systems for assembling parts withoutthe use of tools or fasteners such as screws. For example FIG. 98 showsan example of a plastic trim bezel 1550, rubber gasket 1552, and lightdiffuser being assembled to a sheet metal bracket 1556. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment a first part such as the trim bezel 1550may include cruciform ribs or pins 1560 which act as a locator toposition a second part being assembled to it such as the light diffuser1554. The second part may further include apertures 1562 which receivethe cruciform pins 1562 therethrough.

[0151] In addition the second part may include ribs 1564 which fitagainst a third part such as the sheet metal bracket 1556. The ribs maybe operative to prevent the second part from being pushed inwardly andout of engagement with the first part after assembly. The first part mayinclude a trough 1570 for receiving the gasket 1552. The gasket may beoperative to seal the assembly to prevent rain penetration. The gasketmay also be operative to provide friction between the first part 1550(e.g. the bezel) and the third part 1556 (e.g. the sheet metal bracket)as the first and second part assembly is slid into engagement with thethird part. The additional friction provided by the gasket may also keepthe assembly from coming apart during shipping.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 99, in the exemplary embodiment, the third part1556 (e.g. the sheet metal bracket) may include an L-shaped portion 1572that is operative to guide the first part 1550 (e.g. the bezel) duringinstallation and is operative to stop the first part once it is slidinto position. As shown in FIG. 100 the first part 1550 may includeundercut ribs 1574. As shown in FIG. 101, the first part 1550 may beengaged to the third part 1556 by sliding the undercut ribs 1574 behindflanges 1576 of the third part 1556.

[0153] An exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine mayinclude one or more enclosures therein. FIGS. 102-107 show an exemplaryembodiment of an automated banking machine enclosure 1600. The enclosureincludes a door 1602. The door 1602 includes at least one tab 1604 witha hook or lance 1605 formed at one edge 1606 of the door. The tab 1604may be bent inwardly from the edge 1606 at an angle such as 45 degrees.As shown in FIG. 103, the door 1602 may be mounted to the enclosure 1600by sliding the tabs 1604 of the door into slots 1608 in a wall 1610 ofthe enclosure. A lance 1605 of the tab 1604 may then be slid downwardbehind the wall 1610 of the enclosure. As shown in FIGS. 104 and 105, inthis described exemplary embodiment, the slots 1608 are located in awall 1610 of the enclosure which is perpendicular to the side 1612 ofthe housing that is being closed by the door 1602.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 102, the door 1602 may include a lip 1614 alongan upper edge of the door 1602. When the door is in the closed position,the upper lip 1614 is located in the opening of the enclosure under thetop wall 1616 of the enclosure to prevent the door from being removed bysliding it upwardly. When the door is in the open position, the door maybe removed by sliding the tabs 1604 out of the slots 1608 of theenclosure. In this described exemplary embodiment the door is operativeto rotate about 90 decrees from the closed position to the openedposition.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 106, exemplary embodiment of the enclosure 1600may include a removable cover 1620 adjacent the wall 1610 which includesthe slots 1608 for receiving the tabs of the door 1602. The cover mayinclude tabs 1622 with lances 1624 that are operative to slide withinslots 1626 in the wall 1610 of the enclosure prior to the door beingmounted to the enclosure. When the tabs 1622 have been inserted into theslots 1626, the cover may be slid in a direction that extends away fromthe side 1612 that will include the door. As the cover slides the lances1624 of the tabs 1622 slide behind the wall 1610. Also tabs 1628 at anedge 1630 of the cover may slide behind the wall 1610.

[0156] In the exemplary embodiment the cover 1620 includes a locking tab1632. As shown in FIG. 107, when the cover is installed on theenclosure, the locking tab 1632 extends through the wall 1610. When thetabs of the door 1602 are mounted in the slots 1608 of wall 1610, theedge 1606 of the door is operative to block the locking tab 1632 andcover 1620 from sliding toward the door and disengaging from theenclosure. In this described exemplary embodiment, to remove the cover,the door must be removed first.

[0157] Referring back to FIG. 79, and exemplary embodiment of theautomated banking machine may include a computer 1350 mounted outsidethe chest 102. The machine may include a PC chassis 1352 which isoperative to support the computer 1350 in the frame. The computer mayinclude a hard drive bay bracket which is removable without using toolsaccording to one or more of the previously described methods of mountingcomponents without tools (e.g. tabs with lances, bendable tabs, andlocking tabs). Further in an exemplary embodiment the hard drive may bein releasable connection with the hard drive bay bracket such that thehard drive may be removed from the hard drive bay bracket while the harddrive bay bracket, power supply and/or other components of the computerremain in the chassis.

[0158] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude one or more devices which transport media into and out of themachine. For example, such devices may include the previously discussedcash dispenser and receipt printer. Such devices such as a cashdispenser for example may include one or more optical sensors which areoperative to determine if a location in a transport in which the mediapasses or is deposited includes an item therein. Such an item may be themedia itself, a portion of the device, or a foreign object.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, these sensors may be used to verifymedia counts. The sensors may also be used to determine a mechanicalposition of portions of the device such as a push plate mechanism. Thesensors may also be used to signal when a media has been removed from alocation such as a gate of the dispenser.

[0160] Optical sensors may include a light source and a light detector.An object blocking light from the light source from reaching the lightdetector may be operative to trigger a determination by the automatedbanking machine that there is an obstruction. However, there exists thepossibility that an individual placing an obstruction adjacent theoptical sensor may attempt to fool the optical sensor by providing asubstitute light source directed toward the light detector. Because thelight detector continues to detect light from the substitute lightsource, the automated banking machine may not be able to detect theobstruction.

[0161] An exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine mayinclude one or more optical sensors adjacent a media pathway which areoperative to provide protection against fraudulent actions which involvefooling the light sensor. For example, an exemplary embodiment of asensor may include a light source such as an LED. When the light sourceis turned on, the automated banking machine is operative to cause thesignal detected by the light detector to be evaluated. The sensor and/orother portions of the machine such as software operating in the computerof the machine may be operative to evaluate the detected signal.

[0162] For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may include acircuit which is operative to evaluate the signal. Other extraneouslight frequencies such as ambient light, factory light, and sunshinedetected by the light detector may be canceled out by the circuit. Inexemplary embodiments, the sensor may include a lens which is operativeto attenuate light frequencies other than infra-red. The lens may act asa passive filter which is operative to limit the type of light that isdetected by the sensor.

[0163] In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor light source may be ACcoupled to portions of the circuit to produce a signal which can bedistinguished by the circuit from a DC light source such as a flashlight. For example, the sensor light source may generate a light signalwhich various in intensity over time with a set frequency or otherpattern. Light detected by a light detector of the sensor may beevaluated by the circuit to determine if the detected light signalchanges in intensity over time at a corresponding frequency or patternas the light signal generated by the light source.

[0164] If the detected light does not change in intensity or does notchange in intensity with a frequency or pattern that corresponds to thelight signal from the light source, the circuit is operative generate asignal representative of there being a problem with the passageway. Theautomated banking machine may be responsive to the problem signal totake the machine out of service and/or send a message to a remote serverwhich conveys the detection of the problem by the circuit.

[0165] If the detected light signal does change in intensity with apattern that corresponds to the pattern of intensity change of the lightsignal generated with the light source, the automated banking machinemay be responsive to the circuit to attempt to move an item through thepathway.

[0166] An exemplary embodiment of a circuit 2000 that may be used tooperate the sensor is shown in FIG. 108. The sensor circuit 2000 mayinclude a light source that corresponds to an LED drive circuit 2002comprised of an op-amp circuit 2005 and drive transistor 2008. Thesensor circuit 2000 may also include a feedback circuit 2004 comprisedof a sense resistor that is fed back into the inverting terminal of theop-amp 2005. The LED current may be adjusted by a 6-bit PWM (pulse widthmodulation) control 2009. The duty cycle may vary from 0% to 100%. Thismay provide a range of LED current from 0 mA to 80 mA respectively in 48increments.

[0167] The sensor circuit 2000 may further include a light detector thatcorresponds to a phototransistor receiver circuit 2006. A signalreceived with a phototransistor 2007 may be pulled high to the V/2reference level with a low resistance. The value of this resistor may bekept low to minimize any near field coupling issues and to reduce thesensor's sensitivity to ambient light. The signal may then be passedthrough a series DC-block capacitor 2010. This stage may provide highpass filtering along with keeping out any DC signals that wouldotherwise be amplified through the following stages and cause possiblesaturation. The signal may then be amplified through a non-invertinggain stage. The next stage of the circuit may incorporate an op-amp thatis switched between a +1 and −1 gain. This may provide a demodulatedsignal to the integrating stage. The signal may integrate over severalcycles in order to subtract out the ambient light. The final outputsignal 2011 may consist of a DC level analog voltage varying in voltagefrom 2.5 volts to 5 volts. Signals of 2.5 volts may indicate that thepassageway adjacent the sensor is either blocked or the LED is off.Signals above 2.5 volts may indicate that the passageway adjacent thesensor is clear.

[0168] The exemplary embodiment of the sensor may be calibratedaccording to the following method. Initially the method may includeselecting a zero PWM to turn the LED off and recording the resultingsensor signal. This recorded sensor signal corresponds to the baselinefrom which the blocked or unblocked statuses can be made. Next themethod includes increasing the LED current by increasing the PWM dutycycle. In addition the method includes monitoring the analog voltage fedback through an A/D Converter.

[0169] In the exemplary embodiment, there are three cases that may behandled during the PWM adjustments. Case 1 allows the sensor tocalibrate to full range. When the analog voltage read back reaches amaximum range of (V−0.2) and the PWM value is below 100%, the LED drivecurrent may be set. The maximum range of (V−0.2) may be chosen forexample to be 6% from the absolute full range of the sensor output toavoid saturation. This maximum sensor range may be stored/saved bysoftware operating in the automated banking machine. Case 2 occurs ifthe voltage read back does not reach the maximum range. During thissituation, the voltage read back needs to be above [V/10+baseline]. Thisensures that there is enough signal to noise ratio. Case 3 occurs if thesensor does not reach the minimum value of [V/10+baseline]. This case 3will generate a fault indicating calibration Out of range.

[0170] The calibration method may next include setting upper and lowerthresholds for both case 1 and case 2. As shown in FIG. 109, such upperand lower thresholds may be set to a 30% margin from both the baseline(nominally V/2) and the maximum range achieved. This may provide a 40%noise band area. The upper and lower thresholds may be stored in a datastore by the circuit and/or software operating in the automated bankingmachine. Signals will need to be equal to or above the upper thresholdto indicate that a passage is not blocked. Signals will need to be equalto or below the lower threshold to indicate that the passage is blocked.

[0171] In addition the calibration method may include setting arecalibration threshold between the sensor unblocked value or baselineand the upper threshold. The sensor reading can be continually checkedagainst this threshold to indicate when the sensor needs to berecalibrated. The recalibration threshold may be stored/set by softwareoperating in the automated banking machine. Signals below thisrecalibration threshold may indicate recalibration of the circuit isrequired.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 1110, in this described exemplary embodiment, amodulated PWM may be used. The carrier frequency may be 10 kHz and thesub-carrier frequency may be 500 kHz for example. The demodulationsignal may be 10 kHz with a 50% duty.

[0173] Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine mayinclude accepting devices which accept items from users of the machine.For example, the machine may include a cash acceptor which acceptsindividual bills or stacks of bills. In addition, the machine mayinclude an envelope acceptor which receives deposits provided inenvelopes. In each of these cases, the machine may store received bills,envelopes, or other items in a reservoir referred to herein as acassette.

[0174]FIG. 111 shows an example of an acceptor device 1100 of anexemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine which is operativeto accept deposited items from users and store the deposited items in aninternal storage area. Here the acceptor device 1100 corresponds to anenvelope acceptor which is operative to receive envelopes deposited byusers at an opening 1102. One or more belts of the acceptor device movethe deposited envelope into a removable deposit holding container whichis referred to herein as a cassette 1104.

[0175]FIG. 112 shows an exploded view of the cassette 1104. The cassettemay include a reservoir 1106 with an upper opening 1108. A doormechanism 1110 may be in operative connection with reservoir adjacentthe opening. The door mechanism 1110 may include a door 1112 which isoperative to move between a closed position which closes the opening tothe reservoir and an open position which opens the opening to thereservoir. The door may be in sliding engagement with a frame 1140, theframe may be formed integral with the reservoir or may be mounted to thetop of the reservoir. The reservoir may correspond to a plastic or metalbucket, a flexible bag or any other type of reservoir which is operativeto hold deposits.

[0176] In this described exemplary embodiment the door may correspond toa tambour door comprised of a flexible plastic or other material whichis in sliding engagement within the frame 1140. When the door is beingslid open portions of the door may be directed to move inwardly into thereservoir.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 112, the frame may be comprised of an upperportion 1114 and a lower portion 1116. As shown in FIG. 113 when theupper and lower portions 1114, 1116 are connected together, a channel1118 is formed adjacent each of the opposed sides of the opening to thereservoir. The tambour door may include side flanges 1124 in slidingengagement within the channels 1118 of the frame. To open or close thetambour door, the flanges 1124 of the tambour door are operative toslide within the channels 1118 in directions that are parallel to thechannels of the frame.

[0178] In the exemplary embodiment the channels and the flanges arecooperatively adapted to resist movement of the flanges out of thechannels in a direction that is perpendicular to the channels. Forexample, the channels 1118 may includes a relatively narrow opening 1120connected to a wider inner area 1122. The flanges of the tambour doormay include a relatively narrow stem 1126 extending through the narrowopening 1120 of the channel. The stem 1126 of the flange may then beconnected to a relatively wider portion 1128 which extends in the widerinner area 1122 of the channel. In the described exemplary embodiment,the cross-section of the flange 1124 may have a generally “T” shapewhich slides through a generally “T” shaped cross-section of the channel1118. In other exemplary embodiments, the channels and flanges may havea generally “L” shape or any other shape which is operative tomechanically lock the flanges of the tambour door within the channels.

[0179] In the exemplary embodiment, the relatively wider portion of theflange is operative to resist being pulled through the narrow opening1120. In cases where a significant amount of force is applied to thetambour door, portions of the channel and/or portions of the flange ofthe tambour door may be operative to deform and/or break in a mannerwhich is visually apparent, thereby indicating that the tambour door hasbeen tampered with.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiments of the cassette, a person couldattempt to break into the cassette through the tambour door by applyingexcessive downward force in the middle of the door. Such downward forcemay be operative to deform the flange of the door sufficiently to enablethe flanges to pull out of the channels 118 through the opening 1120 ofthe channels.

[0181] In cases where the flange and or frame have not suffered visibledamage, the size of the opening 1120 to the channel 1118 may besufficiently small relative to the size of the wider portion 1128 of theflange 1124 to make it difficult to push the flange back through theopening 1120 to the channel 1118. As a result the visible appearance ofthe flange of the door not being properly seated in the channels of theframe is operative to indicate that the tambour door has been tamperedwith.

[0182] Referring back to FIG. 112, when the door mechanism is initiallybeing assembled, the flanges of the tambour door may be placed into thechannels 1118 being formed by the upper portion 1114 and lower portion1116 of the frame. In addition in this described exemplary embodiment,the upper portion 1114 and the lower portion 1116 may be operative tosnap together to form an integral frame which is further snapped ontothe reservoir 1106. In the exemplary embodiment the connection betweenthe first and second portions 1114, 1116 of the frame and the connectionbetween the frame and the reservoir 1106 is adapted to be difficult toseparate without damage to the frame/reservoir or without access to theinterior of the frame/reservoir. For example the portions of the frameand the reservoir may include tabs 1130 which snap into slots 1132 toengage and lock the components together. Such tabs may only beaccessible from the interior of the frame or reservoir. In alternativeexemplary embodiments separate fasteners may be used to connect theportions of the frame and the reservoir. Such fasteners may only beaccessible from the interior of the frame or reservoir.

[0183] In cases where the tambour door has been damaged and must bereplaced, the exemplary embodiment of the frame may include featureswhich enable the tambour door to be replaced without separating theupper portion 114 and the lower portion 1116 of the frame. For exampleas shown in FIG. 114, a wall 1144 of the frame which bounds the channel1118 may include a frangible portion or tab 1142. The frangible tab 1142may include a portion 1146 which is structurally weaker than adjacentportions 1148 of the wall and is operative to break cleanly away fromthe adjacent portion 1148 of the wall.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 115, the frangible tab 1142 may be sufficientlyflexible to bend into the channel 1118 to form an opening 1150. Theopening 1150 may be sufficiently large to enable the flange 1124 of thetambour door 1112 to slide out of the channel 1118. In this describedexemplary embodiment opposed sides of the frame may include frangibletabs to enable each side of a tambour door to be removed and or insertedback into the frame. When a tambour door is inserted into the channelsthrough the opening formed by the break in the frangible tab, thefrangible tab may be sufficiently resilient to return the breakawayportion of the tab 1146 into alignment with the adjacent portions 1148of the wall.

[0185]FIGS. 116 and 117 shows an exemplary embodiment of a lockingmechanism 1160 of the cassette. In the exemplary embodiment, the lockingmechanism 1160 is operative to lock the tambour door in a closedposition which prevents access to the interior of the reservoir. Theexemplary embodiment of the locking mechanism may be placed in differentstates including an armed state and a locked state. FIG. 116 shows thelocking mechanism in the armed state. In the armed state a locking arm1164 is rotated upwardly. In this position, the end 1162 of the door1112 may be moved to a closed position adjacent the locking mechanism,however, the door will not become locked shut and may still be slid openagain.

[0186] The locking arm 1164 is biased with a spring 1170 to rotate intoa lowered position which is operative to engage with a slot 1166 in thedoor 1112. However, as shown in FIG. 116, when the locking mechanism isin the armed state, the locking arm 1164 is held upwardly by a furtherarm 1168. The further arm 1168 is operative to rotate between a firstposition which holds the locking arm upwardly and a second positionwhich releases the locking arm 1164 to rotate downwardly. The furtherarm 1168 is biased to rotate to the first position by a spring 1172. Thefurther arm includes a portion 1174 which is extends adjacent anaperture 1176 through the side of the frame 1140. As will be discussedfurther in more detail, when the cassette is inserted into the automatedbanking machine, a pin in the automated banking machine is operative topass into the aperture 1176 in the frame and urge the further arm 1168to rotate to the second position. As discussed previously, in the secondposition the further arm is operative to move to a location which freesthe locking arm 1164 to rotate downwardly to place the locking mechanisminto the locked state.

[0187]FIG. 117 shows an example of the locking mechanism in the lockedstate. Here the locking arm 464 has rotated downwardly. When the tambourdoor is slid into the closed position adjacent the locking mechanism,the tip 1180 of the locking arm 1164 is operative to rotate into theslot 1166 in the door. In this described exemplary embodiment when thedoor is being closed, an upper wall 1182 adjacent the slot may initialpush the tip 1180 of the locking arm to rotate upwardly. When the wall1182 has slide passed the tip 1180 of the locking arm, the locking armrotates downwardly into the slot 1166. In the exemplary embodiment, thetip 1180 of the locking arm is operative to contact an inside surface1184 and block the wall 1182 and tambour door 1112 from sliding into anopened position.

[0188] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism may bereturned to the armed state responsive to turning of a key clockwise toan unlocking position and then turning the key counterclockwise. Theclockwise rotation of a key is operative to urge the locking lever 1164into the upward position shown in FIG. 116 with the further arm 1168 inthe first position.

[0189] If the key remains in the unlocking position, the exemplaryembodiment of the locking mechanism is operative to prevent the lockingarm from rotating downward. In this described unlocked state of thelocking mechanism, the locking mechanism may be operative to prevent thekey from being removed from the locking mechanism.

[0190] When the key is rotated counterclockwise to a locked position,the locking mechanism is placed in the armed state and the lockingmechanism is operative to enable the key to be removed and. As discussedpreviously, when the locking mechanism is in the armed state the lockingarm is capable of moving downwardly responsive to the further arm 1168being rotated to the second position.

[0191] In the exemplary embodiment the slot 1166 may be located adjacentan edge of the tambour door 1112 rather than in the center of the door.When the tambour door is moved to the closed position, envelopes, cashor other relatively thin flexible items could become caught between thefront of the door 1163 and the front 1165 of the frame. However, withthe locking arm 1164 engaging the slot 1166 adjacent the side of thetambour door, the presence of such items caught between the door is lesslikely to interfere with the engagement of the locking arm 1164 in theslot 1166.

[0192] Referring back to FIG. 111, the exemplary embodiment of theautomated banking machine may include a bracket 1190 positioned beneaththe acceptor device 1100. Both the bracket 1190 and the cassette 1104may be located within the chest 102 of the automated banking machine.The cassette 1104 may be operative to removably slide into engagementwith the bracket to place the reservoir 1106 of the cassette 1104directly underneath the acceptor device 1100.

[0193] In this described exemplary embodiment, the bracket may includethe previously described pin 1192. When the side of the frame 1140 withthe aperture 1176 has reached the end of the bracket, the pin 1192 isaligned to enter the aperture 1176 in the frame (FIG. 116) which causesthe lock to change from the armed state to the locked state.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 118, when the cassette is slid into the bracket1190, an upwardly directed portion or handle 1196 on the tambour door isoperative to contact a downwardly extending arm 1198 of the bracket. Thearm 1198 is operative to block the movement of the handle into thebracket. As a result the tambour door is urged to slide relative theframe 1140 into an open position as the cassette is inserted into thebracket. When the door is in the open position, deposited items from theacceptor device 1100 are operative to pass through the frame of thecassette into the reservoir 1106.

[0195] When the cassette 1104 is inserted into the bracket 1190, the arm1198 of the bracket is operative to engage with a slot 1121 (see alsoFIG. 115) in the tambour door 1112. When the cassette is removed fromthe bracket, the arm engaged with the slot of the tambour door isoperative to urge the tambour door to slide to a closed position. Asdiscussed previously, because the pin 1192 of the bracket previouslyplaced the locking mechanism into a locked state, when the tambour doorslides to the closed position as the cassette is being removed, thetambour door engages with the locking mechanisms and becomes lockedshut. In this described exemplary embodiment, the tambour door isoperative to remain locked shut until a key is rotated in the lockingmechanism to place the locking mechanism in an unlocked or armed state.

[0196] In the exemplary embodiment, the cassette may be inserted withthe tambour door either opened or closed. However, when the cassette isremoved, the tambour door is closed and locked. In addition when thecassette is in the armed state prior to being inserted into the bracket,the tambour door may be opened or closed many times with out the tambourdoor being locked shut. In addition the exemplary embodiment of thecassette and bracket is operative enable the cassette to only beinserted into the bracket in one direction. As shown in FIG. 112, thereservoir or frame may include a projection 1201 on the side of thecassette opposite the locking mechanism 1160. If a user attempts toinsert the cassette in the wrong direction (i.e. with the end of thecassette with the projection 1201 entering first), the bracket isoperative to contact the projection 1210 and prevent the cassette frombeing inserted.

[0197] In the exemplary embodiment, the top of the chest may includetherethrough an opening positioned between the cassette 1104 locatedinside the chest and the acceptor device 1100 located above the chest.Exemplary embodiments of the machine may include acceptor devices whichare capable of sliding outwardly from the frame of the machine into aservice position. When the acceptor device slides outwardly, the openinginto the chest may be exposed which could provide access through theopening to items in the cassette.

[0198] An exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine isoperative to prevent the acceptor device from moving outwardly to aservice position while the cassette remains inserted in the bracket withits tambour door open. As shown in FIG. 118, the bracket may include amovable hook 1202. Before the cassette 1104 is inserted into the bracket1190, the hook is operative to automatically rotate or otherwise movedownwardly in response to a biasing force such as gravity, spring orother force. In this downward position, the hook is not operative tointerfere with the movement of an acceptor device out of its dockedposition above the bracket and chest. However, as shown in FIG. 119.When the cassette 1104 is inserted into the bracket 1190, the cassetteis operative to contact the hook 1202 and urge the hook 1202 to rotateor other wise move upwardly. In an upward position, the hook isoperative to engage with portions of the acceptor device and prevent theacceptor device from moving outwardly into a service position whichexposes an opening into the chest and cassette of the machine. To enablethe acceptor device to move outwardly to a service position, thecassette 1104 may be removed first to allow the hook 1202 to move out ofengagement with the acceptor device.

[0199] In exemplary embodiments, the chest 102 may have a generally “L”shaped contour as shown in FIG. 3 with a taller portion 1204 adjacent arelatively shorter portion 1206. In this described exemplary embodiment,the acceptor device may be positioned above the shorter portion 1206 andadjacent an upper side wall 1208 of the taller portion. The cassette maybe mounted to the bracket within the shorter portion 1206 of the chest.An upper surface of the shorter portion 1206 may includes the opening1210 between the cassette within the chest and the acceptor devicemounted outside the chest. As described previously, the acceptor devicemay be operative to move items through the opening into the cassette. Inthis described exemplary embodiment the cash dispenser of the machinemay be mounted within the taller portion 1204 of the chest.

[0200] Thus the new automated banking machine system and method achievesone or more of the above stated objectives, eliminates difficultiesencountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems andattains the desirable results described herein.

[0201] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used forbrevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitationsare to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptivepurposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, thedescriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and theinvention is not limited to the exact details shown and described.

[0202] In the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recitedfunction, and shall not be limited to the features and structures shownherein or mere equivalents thereof. The description of the exemplaryembodiment included in the Abstract included herewith shall not bedeemed to limit the invention to features described therein.

[0203] Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in theappended claims.

We claim:
 1. A cash dispensing automated banking machine comprising: achest; a cash dispenser in operative connection with the chest; anacceptor device in operative connection with an outer portion of thechest; a bracket in operative connection with an inner portion of thechest; a deposit holding container movably engageable with the bracket,wherein the container comprises: a reservoir; a locking mechanism inoperative connection with the reservoir, wherein the locking mechanismis operative to change from a locked state to an armed state responsiveto a key, wherein the locking mechanism includes a movable portion,wherein when the movable portion is moved, the locking mechanism isoperative to change from an armed state to a locked state; and a door inoperative connection with the reservoir, wherein when the lockingmechanism is in the armed state, the door is operative to move from aclosed position to an open position; wherein when the container is movedinto engagement with the bracket: a first portion of the machine isoperative to urge the movable portion of the container; wherein when thecontainer is moved out of engagement with the bracket: a second portionof the machine is operative to urge the door of the container to movefrom the opened position to the closed position, wherein in the closedposition, a portion of the door is operative to engage with the lockingmechanism, wherein the locking mechanism in the locked state isoperative to prevent the door from moving to an open position.
 2. Themachine according to claim 1, wherein, when: the locking mechanism is inthe armed state; the door of the container is in the closed state; andthe container is moved into engagement with the bracket, a third portionof the automated banking machine is operative to urge the door of thecontainer to slide into the open position.
 3. The machine according toclaim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is operative to accept a keytherein, wherein when the key rotates in a first direction, the key isoperative to cause the locking mechanism to change to an unlocked state,wherein in the unlocked state, the door is operative to move from theclosed position to the open position.
 4. The machine according to claim1, wherein the locking mechanism is operative to accept a key therein,wherein when the key rotates in a first direction, the key is operativeto cause the locking mechanism to change to an unlocked state, whereinin the unlocked state, the door is operative to move from the closedposition to the open position, wherein after changing to the unlockedstate, when the key rotates in an opposite second direction, the lockingmechanism is operative to change to the armed state.
 5. The machineaccording to claim 4, wherein after the key is rotated in the firstdirection within the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism isoperative to prevent the key from being removed from the lockingmechanism, until the key is rotated in the second direction.
 6. Themachine according to claim 4, wherein the acceptor device is operativeto move to a position above the bracket, wherein the chest includes atleast one opening therethrough located adjacent the bracket, wherein theacceptor device is operative to move items through the opening into thecontainer.
 7. The machine according to claim 6, further comprising amovable projection, wherein when the container is moved into engagementwith the bracket, the container is operative to urge the movableprojection into a first position adjacent a portion of the acceptordevice, wherein the movable projection in the first position isoperative to prevent the acceptor device from moving into a serviceposition, wherein when the container is removed out of engagement withthe bracket, the movable projection is operative to move to a secondposition, wherein the moveable projection in the second position doesnot prevent the acceptor device from moving into the service position.8. The machine according to claims 7, wherein when the acceptor deviceis not in the service position, the acceptor device is positioned abovethe bracket, wherein when the acceptor device is in the serviceposition, the acceptor device is not directly above at least a portionof the at least one opening through the chest.
 9. The machine accordingto claim 1, wherein the chest has a generally “L” shaped contour with afirst taller portion adjacent a second relatively shorter portion,wherein the acceptor device is positioned above the shorter secondportion adjacent the first taller portion, wherein the bracket ispositioned within the second shorter portion of the chest below theacceptor device, wherein the chest includes an opening between thebracket and the acceptor device, wherein the acceptor device isoperative to move items through the opening into the container.
 10. Themachine according to claim 1, wherein the door of the container includesan upwardly directed projection, wherein the second portion of themachine is operative to contact the upwardly directed projection to urgethe door into the open position.
 11. The machine according to claim 2,wherein the door of the container includes slot, wherein when thecontainer is moved out of engagement with the bracket, the third portionof the machine is operative to pivot into the slot and urge the doorinto the closed position.
 12. The machine according to claim 1, whereinthe container includes a frame, wherein the locking mechanism is mountedwithin the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture therethroughadjacent the movable portion of the locking mechanism, wherein the firstportion includes a pin which is positioned to project through theaperture when the container is moved into engagement with the bracket.13. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the door includes aflexible tambour portion which is operative to slide between parallelchannels adjacent an opening into the reservoir.
 14. The machineaccording to claim 13, wherein the tambour door includes flanges whichare operative to slide within the channels.
 15. The machine according toclaim 14, wherein each channel includes a frangible portion, wherein thefrangible portion is operative to break to provide an opening forinserting one of the flanges of the door into the channel.
 16. A methodcomprising: a) urging a deposit holding container to slide adjacent abracket of an automated banking machine, wherein the automated bankingmachine includes a cash dispenser, wherein the container includes alocking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is in an armed state,wherein the container includes a door, wherein the door is operative tomove from a closed position to an open position when the lockingmechanism is in the armed state; b) urging with a first portion of theautomated banking machine the locking mechanism to change to a lockedstate responsive to (a); c) urging the container to slide out of thebracket; and d) urging with a second portion of the automated bankingmachine, the door of the container to move to a closed positionresponsive to (c), wherein a portion of the door engages with thelocking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism in the locked state isoperative to prevent the door from moving to an open position.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein prior to (a) the door of thecontainer is in the closed position, wherein responsive to (a) urgingwith a third portion of the automated banking machine the door of thecontainer to slide into the open position.
 18. The method according toclaim 16, further comprising: e) placing a key into engagement with thelocking mechanism; f) urging with the key the locking mechanism into anunlocked state, wherein the door is operative to move to the openposition.
 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: g)removing the key from engagement with the locking mechanism, wherein thelocking mechanism is in the armed state.
 20. The method according toclaim 18, further comprising: g) causing with the key, the lockingmechanism to change from the unlocked state to the armed state; and h)removing the key from engagement with the locking mechanism.
 21. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein between (f) and (g) the key is notremovable from the locking mechanism.
 22. The method according to claim20, wherein (f) includes rotating the key within the locking mechanismin a first direction.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein (g)includes rotating the key in an opposite second direction.
 24. A cashdispensing automated banking machine comprising: a chest in operativeconnection with a frame, wherein the chest has an generally “L” shapedouter contour with a first taller portion adjacent a second relativelyshorter portion, wherein the shorter portion includes an upper face withan opening therethrough; a cash dispenser in operative connection withinthe taller portion of the chest; an acceptor device in operativeconnection with an outer portion of the chest, wherein the acceptordevice is positioned above the shorter portion and adjacent to the firsttaller portion; and a deposit holding container in removable connectionwithin the shorter portion of the chest, wherein the acceptor device isoperative to move items through the opening into the container.